Author: Nimda

When the COVID pandemic began in early to mid-March 2020 Louisville Metro Intergroup (LMI) responded to the shut down by purchasing a virtual account that would be used for all LMI based OA meetings to continue to hold meetings for all of its members in an electronic format.

Beginning March 24, 2020 there were several meetings being held virtually to replace the meetings shut down due to COVID. By the following week, there was at least one meeting each day to support our fellowship. Volunteers stepped up and acted as hosts by committing to attend their meeting each week to ensure that the meeting was supported. Soon all previously established OA meetings were contacted to see if they would like to move their meetings to a virtual format. Some meetings decided to close for an undetermined period of time. Some new meetings were established virtually and three new AM phone meetings were established to support the needs and wants of our fellowship.

We were blessed to have already established a well-working means of communication to our membership through an email blast list. Continually through these changes we communicated the options available to our members to stay connected to others in the fellowship through this new electronic format.

LMI, as many businesses, learned that there was more than one way stay connected during this challenging time. Through these years we have again learned that we are not the same in our preferences. Although some of our members find using electronic and virtual options preferable to the time it takes to get to a meeting. Some of our members greatly prefer in-person meeting and we now have six in-person meetings per week in the Louisville Area. We also have maintained the three phone meetings a week and we have multiple options for electronic meetings for our membership. Some other lessons for us along the way: 

• Some members find it much easier to attend more meetings with electronic options
• We are seeing many newcomers at in-person meetings
• We are able to reach members that are disabled and unable to attend in-person meetings
• Single parents find electronic meeting more accessible
• Hybrid meetings have not been successful so far for us but we may have more to learn in this area
• We have numerous people from other states and other countries join our meetings become close with our Louisville area members
• We are sending out Newcomer pamphlets to newcomers from other states and countries
• Initially we were not publishing our virtual info on OA.org. People had to call the contact person for get the password for the virtual/phone meeting. The LMI realized that with COVID going on for much longer than we had originally thought, not publicizing our meeting information was a deterrent for newcomers trying to find OA. We communicated this realization to our groups and all agreed to have their virtual links and info published on OA.org. Then we began getting virtual meeting bombers and established security protocols and trained host and co-hosts to handle this new challenge. Since that time, we are seeing many more newcomers in our virtual/phone meetings.

We do not know for sure what our meetings will decide to do as we continue to move out of this pandemic but LMI is committed to support the needs of our meetings and our fellowship by providing support for meetings in whichever format is needed.

In the silence of a December morning, I sat with a cup of coffee reading OA literature. What I was reading did not register with me. Instead I abruptly put down the book and began crying. Where was this coming from? I focused on the feeling of sadness and decided it felt like grief.

My brother had died earlier that year. I figured that must be the issue so I tested this experience with the divining rod of my intuition. No response. Hmm. Was I grieving a deeper or newer loss? I asked my HP for an answer but what I received was a mental image of me holding God in my arms. I was comforting Him instead of the other way around. My crying was harder.

My eyes flew open. Two days before, I had given my 4th step to my sponsor and had spent a good bit of time sorting out my old beliefs and writing down my new truths. My sobbing told me this must be the problem. Could I be grieving those old beliefs? I had moved from relying on the God of my childhood to the Higher Power with whom I have an actual relationship. I smiled but continued crying until the sadness was spent. It had been an earthquake so deep I was only just now feeling the disturbance.

Then the joy came through the tears. And then the gratitude. My heart was lighter and the day brighter. My recovery was anything but stagnant. I streamed spiritual music while I wrote a Thank You note to my Higher Power.

Dear God,
Thank you for getting me safely to this crossroads in my life, and guiding me across the street. My concept of You is not what it used to be, and that is okay. As I grow in my program, You are changing too. Our relationship is growing roots nourished by spiritual principles which promise me a healthy emotional, physical, and spiritual life.

Forgive me for wanting an eternity of wisdom in one day. I know I would not be able to handle it or understand it. I would probably get into trouble. My joy is that You grant me positive changes large and small, loud and quiet, conscious and unconscious, here and there. All in Your time.

Thank You for my emotions and the ability to know them now. Before joining the OA program, I could not feel them let alone identify them because I had buried them under food and fat. Thank You for my intuition which I have learned to hear and trust. Thank you for the pauses where we meet throughout the day. Thank You for Your guidance which I usually don’t see except in my rearview mirror as a glorious sunset in the west while I am traveling east.

Your will not mine be done one day at a time.

— You Know Who

Here are voices from Central Indiana Intergroup (CII) in Region 5 expressing the benefits they’ve received due to being involved at the intergroup level.

Intergroup has been a pivotal part of my recovery. It keeps me connected and engaged in my program. It strengthens the camaraderie I have with others. It helps teach me how to handle different personalities and be respectful of other people’s opinions. It also helps me to handle situations in a healthy way when decisions don’t go my way. Decisions benefit OA as a whole and not just me. CII also shows me the inner workings of the program. Without the upper levels of service, OA would not thrive, and I must have OA to thrive in my life.
— Kelly D.

Serving in an Intergroup has nurtured all three legs of my recovery stool. It feels good to be involved outside of my normal meetings because I am able to think about the solution more regularly. Serving on the board allows me to practice these principles in new and creative ways, and I am able to take that experience, strength and hope to my meetings, my sponsees and my day-to-day life. Being of service in this manner also reminds me of my favorite OA lesson, together we can do what we can never do alone!
— Christine M.

I’ve been attending Intergroup meetings for over 7 years. I was encouraged by my first sponsor to attend after I had been in program for a little over a month. I did it to please her, but it has really helped me understand how important service is in my own recovery. I have served as a committee member, a group representative and in multiple board positions. Service at this level has helped me grow by feeling heard, a safe space to share, seeing others have conflicting viewpoints but still being friends afterwards (traditions and concepts in motion) accepting myself more and growing out of the old attitude that I am not enough. It also helps me to give back to a program that has given me so much. So very thankful!
— Lara C.

I am new to Intergroup and just finding my way. I would say that my participation has given me a sense of purpose regarding my service. I am able to see how OA works on a new level to support my abstinence and the abstinence of others. I am grateful to be part of an organization that has given me so much by giving to others and spreading the message of OA. I have a deep interest in sharing our message with diverse groups and enjoy the challenge of spreading the message to newcomers and old timers alike. I have participated in CII activities in the past and have felt a renewed sense of purpose to my recovery. I am so grateful to be working with so many other committed friends and fellow travelers here.
— John P.

This is only my second intergroup meeting, so I don’t have a lot of experience with Intergroup. But, I am learning the intricacies of OA and more about my fellows. So, CII has given me knowledge.
— Emily P.

Service with Intergroup has given me countless opportunities to practice the principles of our program. I am regularly in awe of the power of the group conscious and that we have but one authority, a higher power of our own understanding. Intergroup is unlike any other organization, leadership team or board that I’ve served on. It allows me to trust in and grow with the group. It gives me the space to be wrong and the safety of forgiveness when I act according to my defects (and try to push my will on the group). My voice is heard and yet I am not the only voice. I am learning true humility through service in CII. Teamwork, belonging, safety, understanding and continued abstinence are all gifts of serving with CII.
— Anonymous.

Being a part of Intergroup has helped me connect more to my program. It has given me fellowship with more than just people in my local meetings. It has given me opportunities to learn new skills and use them to serve. It has helped to build my confidence in the rooms, because I have more knowledge when I’m asked questions. CII Intergroup has strengthened my recovery through connection, service and accountability.
— Missy F.

I’ve only been an intergroup representative since the beginning of the year, but it’s been an amazing experience. I have always felt connected to OA and through the last two years I’ve stayed connected on Zoom meetings and doing a lot more service in those meetings. But intergroup allows me to give back even more by listening to my fellows and giving my opinion on matters that affect my groups. Intergroup allows me to learn more about the inner workings of OA, and I appreciate how we come to consensus through group conscious. I can’t begin to say how much OA has done for me in my recovery – physically, spiritually and emotionally – and by being a member of intergroup I feel like I’m able to repay, in a small way all that this program and these wonderful men and women have given me.
— Anni Y.

Being a member of Intergroup has given me a reason to keep coming back. I have to stay abstinent for my health, my sanity and for my kid. I have to stay abstinent because I’m living a life beyond my wildest dreams. However, I also have to stay abstinent to do service. They say service is slimming but service helps my recovery. It keeps me sane. It allows me to give back what I have been given. I have to pay attention. It has also taught me valuable skills that I can transfer to the workforce. Service gives me purpose.
— Melissa M.

Intergroup has given me stronger abstinence and recovery. I get to be one among many, working to carry the message to the still suffering overeater. The fellowship and deeper relationships that result from being a part of intergroup have been a blessing.
— Carol L.

I have enjoyed being an intergroup Rep for my meeting. This service has helped me to stay abstinent. I have been able to meet members from all over my area. central Indiana. By being a member of CII, I have learned more about region and world activities and opportunities at those levels. Intergroup has helped me stay connected to the primary purpose of carrying the message to other compulsive overeaters. It has allowed me to see that others have maintained their abstinence in challenging times, so maybe I can too. There have been times when I didn’t pick up the food because I had a service commitment that required me to be abstinent. The joy and fellowship that I have experienced has improved my life. Together we get better. Intergroup has brought me information and fellowship and a way to work my program that is beyond my wildest dream. Service is slimming and it keeps me abstinent to be with other members who want to serve and share our fellowship with others and carry the message.
— Patty K.

I’m fairly new to Intergroup. I represent a small face-to-face group. I like being a Rep. I feel more involved. Being in CII does strengthen my program. I like contributing where I can. There are many service opportunities that I can participate in.
— Kathy L.

Intergroup has given me an appreciation for ‘behind the scenes’ efforts to keep OA as an organization alive. I have met fellows from other groups in our area and have been introduced to what the traditions mean for functioning in my program and in daily life. It has been enlightening to experience a group where everyone has a voice. Everyone matters. It is the only way to keep recovery alive for future compulsive overeaters who are looking for a better way to live. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my intergroup and Region 5.
— Pat K.

Being a member of Intergroup has given me a better understanding of how OA works as a whole. It has also helped me through meeting and being in fellowship with other compulsive overeaters on a much larger scale than just by attending my local OA meetings. I have also been made aware of more tools available to me that I wasn’t aware of prior to intergroup : websites, events, specialized meetings for men, youth, etc. Being a member has allowed me to work my program by giving back as well.
— Larry H.

Being involved in intergroup helps me feel ‘a part of’ rather than ‘apart from’. My tendency to isolate is held in check, partly, by my service commitments. I was told from the beginning that giving back what I’d been given was an integral part of recovery and intergroup gives me another way to do that. I find it invigorating to be among others with a common purpose and an enthusiasm for recovery and helping others find it. It gives me opportunities to be creative and brainstorm and put plans into action. It also gives me great purpose to be surrounded by people willing to work toward our common goal of carrying the message of OA. Watching the traditions at work amazes me. And, of course, it helps keep me abstinent and growing spiritually.
— Pam L.

Serving on Intergroup has given me a sense of belonging to something bigger than my local groups and meetings, which are small. We belong to a worldwide support group, which is amazing and reassuring. As part of Intergroup, I give a voice to my local members, and I appreciate that our voices are heard in this large organization. I also get to serve on committees at Intergroup, which is good for my recovery and has helped me to grow spiritually, physically, and emotionally. It is my responsibility to convey information to my home group and this builds my integrity. As part of Intergroup, I am able to practice the program principles in meetings and to carry these principles to all areas of my life.
— Peggy H.

When something is eating away at me, I can discuss it with program friends.

When there’s too much on my plate, and I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, I can ask my Higher Power to help me prioritize.

When I want my cake and eat it too, I am reminded that it’s all in God’s hands.

When I am dying to be thin, may I know that my worth is not determined by the number on the scale.

When I can’t stomach something or I have a beef with someone, I can say a prayer.

When I stew over an issue, I remember that I must accept life on life’s terms.

When I feel like I’m going bananas, God can restore me to sanity.

When I can’t cut the mustard, program teaches me I am enough.

When it’s feast or famine, I sink my teeth into recovery

— Kara M.

This eve I got a welcome, and kind of funny, example of HP doing for me what I could not do for myself. My dear friend who calls from time to time called. When I walked out to get a water, I hit mute so she wouldn’t hear every noise in my house and continued to listen.   She really needed to blow off some steam.  I tried to interject but with no pause or response from her,  I kept listening.  I continued to listen until she had gone through the disturbance at hand. Then I spoke. She said: “Susan, are you still there?” I had forgotten to unmute. It’s like my HP placed His hand over my mouth, briefly, kindly, so she had the opportunity to vent and let it out. He had both of our best interests at heart. I can always trust that, and that humor. I sometimes have difficulty seeing – I see it now.  I am humbled.

— Susan SH 

“Ow,” I shouted in my head and into the cold, dark night.

I was lying on my back, my left leg tucked under me in an odd position. There was pain but it would’ve been worse without my thick winter coat cushioning my fall. There was no one in the dark, icy hotel parking lot. I carefully straightened my leg which was stiff but working fine. No break. Thank You, God. I rolled onto my side. Pain, but nothing searing. I felt the rock in my jeans pocket and fished it out from the layers of winter clothes.

“These are the days of miracle and wonder — Paul Simon” it said. My sponsor had given me this touchstone which I carried with me everywhere I went. “Yes, they are,” I sighed in agreement. How else could I have driven 500 miles alone in the middle of a pandemic, in wintry weather, and taken a fall on ice without injuries, to be with my developmentally disabled brother who was dying, if there weren’t miracles?

No one was in the parking lot still. The bare bushes near me were coated in ice. I tried to get up but fell again. There was no salt on the pavement yet. Somehow, I crawled to get under the awning of the hotel registration entrance, got my footing and stood up. An employee was coming out with a bucket of salt.

During the following two weeks, I relived this slip and fall several times when I broke my abstinence. There were many, many difficult conversations with doctors, my brother’s guardian/lawyer, nursing facility staff, and my conscience. There were few times my footing felt stable. Every couple of days I had a slip from abstinence, but I got back up. I kept trying. I talked to my sponsor. I attended a meeting or two virtually. I read literature. And I wrote. A lot. I wrote about my feelings. I kept a journal of the medical decisions and actions. 

And there were miracles. Moments of accepting my helplessness. Gratitude for everyone working on my brother’s behalf. Heightened awareness of a spiritual connection while sitting in silence with him. What I finally realized during those 2 weeks was that I was not my brother’s higher power. I never was. He had been in the care of his Higher Power all his life and I was blessed to witness his Higher Power’s love and caring actions these last few days. How could I possibly have had the power to do these things for him?  I couldn’t, of course. 

The weather had cleared up for my journey home. A few days later I was blessed with solid abstinence.

— Carol D.

I often repeat the phrase, “You can only plant the seed, you don’t know how much BS (manure) it will need before it grows.” I’m sitting here crying tonight as I write this. Grateful tears for the times I planted seeds by carrying a message of recovery without even knowing it. Tonight, an old friend Zoomed into a meeting after contacting me, because a family member had questions about program. What a blessing, the conversation that must have happened was so long ago that I don’t even remember the context. And I certainly didn’t think this friend needed the program. Tonight, I pray to be a message of recovery, not a mess. I pray to be clean with my food so that I may hear when HP needs me to deliver HP’s message. It’s not my decision. After countless years of telling people about OA, because I thought they needed it, almost everyone who has walked through the doors has been because someone who saw me change told someone else about that thing I do.

Thank you HP and thank you OA.

— Cassidy S.

A fellowship friend was supposed to meet me at an OA meeting, but her car broke down en route. She sent me a message later that night that read, “By the time AAA came it was too late and I wanted to get home with my donut.” I had to read the word donut three times before I realized the “donut” she was referring to was the spare tire the mechanic put on her car! (Boy, do I have the mind of a compulsive overeater, or what?!?!)

For recovery month (September) I wanted to put some OA literature at our local library. When the desk clerk asked me what organization I was with I said, “Overeaters Anonymous.” She gave me a puzzled look and said “Over Readers Anonymous? We like it when people read here.”

— Kara M.

“The Past is littered with resentments.
Fear haunts the Future.
The Present is a Gift, safe and joyful!
The Road to Humility is paved with Surrender mixed with Acceptance.
The Destination is Sacred Awe.”
— Beverly B.

NEW ARTICLE!

“Tradition 5:  Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers.”

Since February of 2020, tradition five seems like a message that has been hard to carry.  Many of us have survived and were grateful for the strength we found in our HP and working the steps.  However, we have witnessed many losses in our fellowship.  Our local meeting list have been slashed in ½ and very few have made the transition back to F2F. If we did not go permanently virtual, our meeting attendance has dropped however if we did go permanently virtual, we welcomed people from all over the world and if we were lucky, they returned for more than just that one meeting.  I have sponsored people who have shown me the miracle of recovery and I’ve never met them!  

Before I physically entered my first OA meeting, I tried to join by logging into a virtual chat OA meeting – no video, no phone just a chat room!  I believe I was eating ice cream at the time. I didn’t chat, just kept watching.  I would return to the website again and again to stare at the 12 steps hoping that by reading them I would be able to stop eating.  Trying to avoid connection with other humans, I kept at this insanity for a few more years until 2007.  In April of that year, I was so desperate I went to a local meeting here in Cincinnati.  People saw me for the first time.  I witnessed other real compulsive overeaters.  I could not hide behind my computer screen.  They even tried to hug me – which I tried very hard to avoid for many weeks.

I am selfishly grateful for the zoom OA meetings…I’ve gone all over the world to attend meetings.  I also met people in person for walks and after being vaccinated, I began to visit with fellows I hadn’t seen in a year.  Tradition 5 asks us to carry the message, and sometimes the message doesn’t get thru our virtual path.  Most of you know that many of our fellows are hiding behind that “photo” of themselves…they don’t want to be seen.  Virtual meetings provide a way to connect to OA but also a way to stay more in denial and placate ourselves with feel good meetings with other people who share our disease.  

I, as a newcomer, would be eating behind that screen or barely awake from a food coma.  For those of us abstinent and recovered, don’t forget that F2F meetings is where we got recovery.  We were finally able to be seen and had nowhere to hide.  It’s our duty to help get some of our meetings back to in-person.  Perhaps we keep virtual meetings, but we need more options for those  still suffering.  Yes, after 18 months, it does seem inconvenient to drive across town to attend a meeting.  Yes, it seems like a lot of work to find a new location for our meeting, so why not take the easy route and stay virtual?  

This is why not – according to Dr. Bob:
1. Sense of duty.
2. It is a pleasure.
3. Because in so doing I am paying my debt to the man who took time to pass it on to me.
4. Because every time I do it, I take out a little more insurance for myself against a possible slip.

Responsibility pledge:  Always to extend the hand and heart of OA to all who share my compulsion; for this I am responsible.

Yes, this is a go team- go blog post.  When you feel it’s safe, grab another member and say, “let’s start a meeting”.

 — Rachael W.