After yesterday’s nasty nurse and my regret over breaking my Lenten sacrifice promise, last night’s Overeaters Anonymous meeting was a much-needed outlet. When the night’s featured speaker was done, I was the first to raise my hand and say, “Hi, I’m Angie, I’m a compulsive overeater.”

After the chorus of “Hi, Angie!” from the other meeting attendees, I explained that I am a compulsive lot of things, not just a compulsive overeater. This was my second OA meeting, I said, and went on to admit that in the four weeks that have elapsed since my first meeting, I’ve been trying to come up with excuses not to return. Several people laughed knowingly, while most everyone else nodded their heads in understanding.

I told everyone that I’ve been studying the OA literature (particularly this awesome book) and thinking much about the Twelve Steps. I confessed  I am intimidated and/or put off by some of the Twelve Steps (powerless over food, giving yourself over to a higher power, making amends) but that I’m willing to do them if they do, in fact, work.

Everyone seemed pleased, and I really enjoyed listening to the stories other members told. Some were very specific stories about certain people or events that trigger overeating; others just broadly described their OA journey. I think that no matter the outcome, finding a place where everyone’s so friendly and accepting will turn out to be the most rewarding part of OA. That means a lot to me at this particular moment because lately, I seem to be losing Facebook friends faster than I can lose pounds, and I have felt particularly distant from and left out among friends who live far away. Those emotional setbacks, among others, sent me on a month-long spiral of bad behavior that I now must correct. With the help of this very inclusive OA group, I won’t be alone in adjusting my behavior.

Here’s to healthy eating and letting the relationships in your life build you up instead of bring you down!

Stay well and stay strong, my friends.