The first time I heard my story being told was by a woman who had suffered from bulimia for 25 years. I was in a desperate state when I arrived at OA, and her story resonated with me deeply. She shared the vicious cycle of bingeing and purging that consumed her life, and I realised that I wasn’t alone in my struggles.
Her story brought a glimmer of hope into my otherwise dark and shameful world. She looked happy and spoke of a solution to her problem with food. It was the first time in years that I felt like I belonged somewhere. I discovered that I had a disease, and there were others who had found recovery through the Twelve Steps.
By attending my first online meeting, I took a huge step towards freedom from my addiction to food. I asked the speaker for help, and that was the beginning of my journey to recovery. It wasn’t easy, and I had to wean myself off sugar, flour, and processed foods. I committed to a daily food plan and worked through the Twelve Steps with the help of my sponsor.
Through podcasts, meetings, outreach calls, and reading the Big Book, I learned to rely on prayer and meditation for support during tough times. The Twelve Steps taught me to admit my defects and make amends to people I had harmed. I also became a sponsor myself and helped others recover from the disease of compulsive overeating.
Today, I no longer hurt myself with food, and I know that you can find freedom too. By attending meetings, finding a sponsor, and establishing a food plan, you can experience acceptance, compassion, and healing. The program is simple, but it requires honesty, an open mind, and willingness. It’s never too late to find freedom and happiness.
— Lara