Another newbie

[atozer9999]

Hi,

Have been putting off joining for quite a while. My sister does OA with great success. So I thought I might have a go at this.
I have read the 12 steps and the only one I can see a real problem with is the 'higher power' one. As far as I am concerned, I am my higher power. I dont do the religious thing for a variety of reasons. The only person who controls me - is me - and we both seem to have the same issue - food. :cry:
So, one of my main questions is - Is the higher power thing mandatory? If not, then maybe I can have a good crack at this and see how things pan out. If it is, then - well, I guess I will keep on trying.
Yes, I know it is a negative beginning, but if I dont get the negatives sorted, what hope do I have with the positives.

Andrea

[here42da]

Hi atozer, and glad that you reached out with your question,
There are some who have different things for their Higher Power, or maybe nothing at all. Some believe it to be self, maybe some nature, or our conscience, the fellowship, maybe even a sponsor. In that way I feel like it can be whatever you look to for your answers or for guideance or direction. I even remember reading in our literature that possibly that one with out a Higher Power was asked to "just act as if" or they could borrow anothers HP till they were able to get their own. These are all suggestions that work. So yes you can still be involved in this program even if you side track this issue.

"Tradition 3 says: The only requirement for FAA membership is a desire to stop eating addictive foods."

You will figure out the rest when it is time. Please come to phone meetings, listen to others share their experience, strength, and hope. Get phone numbers at the end of the meetings, and also ask questions as well. We are all here to support you. The phone meetings and other types of meetings are listed under meetings on the website.

[step3]

Dear Andrea,

I can understand where you're coming from. FAA is not my first program, I became sober in another 12 Step program years ago and at that time I had no Higher Power other than myself, the same as you. In my case, though, I was desperate and the program I reached was "the last house on the block" for me... it was either give it a try, or die. It really was as simple as that. So I went to meetings, participated in the fellowship, and after a time, started going to Step meetings and listening with an open mind to the best of my ability. I shared up to the level of my own experience. It occurred to me after quite some time that I DID actually have a "power greater than myself" when it came to my addiction problem... and that was the program I was in. Here were people doing what I could not do.... they were abstaining from the substances that I of myself was unable to abstain from. And they had been as powerless over it as I had been. It was clear to me that I was not the Higher Power in all of this recovery going on, but something else was. That is all that's needed for a start, Andrea... to be open to the idea that you, in and of yourself, are powerless to control your intake of sugar/flour/and wheat and that there might be something~ be it the group or something else besides your ego/self, that is going to be able to help you.

I know how serious and deadly food addiction is, so I am sending warm wishes your way that some thought that can help you with this enter your mind and be able to find a home. Whatever happens, and wherever you go~ here, somewhere else, or no where, I wish you the very best!

step3