Step one - Admitted we were powerless over food - that our lives had become unmanageable.
Newbie:
Powerless over food? But food is just a product, an inanimate object - how can I be powerless over an item? And I don't think my life is unmanageable - don't I just need to lose a few pounds?
Sponsor:
Good questions dear one - now remind me, who was it that used to eat out of the garbage? Who used to to eat a meals worth of calories while cooking a meal, then the meal itself, then all the leftovers? And do I remember something about whole loaves of bread and complete slabs of cheese that would be consumed over an evening? And being unable to keep away from the fridge, constantly going back to see what else could be eaten in secret? Of eating and wanting to stop - but eating anyway? What power did you have over the desire for the foods? How did you manage your life?
Newbie:
Yes I am crazy where food is concerned, I see that - I think - well yes, I *gave* the food power over me - I thought it would make it better, but actually it was controlling me.
Sponsor:
Good realisations! Maybe you made food your Higher Power?
Newbie:
Yes! Exactly! Food was what I turned to at first for comfort, and then for the shear sake of turning to it! When things happened I went to food - actually - when things didn't happen I went to food too - I'm pretty confused about this, but I think we may be onto something here - with the unmanageability thing I mean.
Sponsor:
Thank you - yes that is the essence of step one - admitting fully that I have no power over this thing. Speaking for me - which as you know is all I can do - I can say that, if it was a question of will power I would have had it licked long before I came to OA! The fact is I am powerless over food - and when I tried to manage it I failed.
Newbie:
Oh! Me too! Yes I am powerless over food too, and I cannot manage by myself. It feels hopeless:(
Sponsor:
No dear one - not hopeless!! If you truly accept that you are powerless over food - that your life is unmanageable - then you are living step one and can work forwards to recovery:)
Newbie:
I do want recovery! I am powerless! My life is unmanageable!
Sponsor:
Then you are not alone anymore - welcome to Overeaters Anonymous - Welcome Home!