-A Vision For You, p. 164 Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
My "own house in order" is very different than "ducks in a row" which is the way I needed everything to be before Program. If my ducks were in a row, I would look okay to others, no matter how crazy I actually was or felt I was inside.
Getting my house in order is an inside job. And, for me today, that requires a tight relationship with a Higher Power as well as working the Steps with other recovering compulsive overeaters. And the answers do come -
usually without too much effort (or thought) on my part because all that thinking about looking good and all the effort I put into appearing "normal" just made me crazier and fatter, quite frankly. (continued)I have to reach for answers from a Power greater than myself - "myself" being specifically my mind - which is where my ego reigns. And my ego edges God out time and time again.
On the other hand, God - for me, at least - is found in the heart, in the silence, in nature and many times in the words of another recovering Fellow. Listening for God and seeking His guidance is how I clean out my crazy and begin to develop serenity, strength and hope.
But I cannot do that if I am still in the food or acting out in the character defects which disrupt and eventually block my access to my Higher Power. I have to humble myself to seek help from others, and in doing so, the answers come and my fears, resentments, control issues and slothful habits are relieved.
I have specific experiences to share as a result of working this Program and they are not just one-and-done events. They are often times repeated so that I can learn and accept that I'm human in order to develop the same compassion for myself and others that my HP and my Fellows show me during those times.
But, I must be diligent and not rest on my laurels or take my Recovery for granted. In order to maintain my own sobriety around food, I have to give to others what has been so freely given to me. And getting my own house in order on a daily basis is paramount to that.
-anonymous
On the other hand, God - for me, at least - is found in the heart, in the silence, in nature and many times in the words of another recovering Fellow. Listening for God and seeking His guidance is how I clean out my crazy and begin to develop serenity, strength and hope.
But I cannot do that if I am still in the food or acting out in the character defects which disrupt and eventually block my access to my Higher Power. I have to humble myself to seek help from others, and in doing so, the answers come and my fears, resentments, control issues and slothful habits are relieved.
I have specific experiences to share as a result of working this Program and they are not just one-and-done events. They are often times repeated so that I can learn and accept that I'm human in order to develop the same compassion for myself and others that my HP and my Fellows show me during those times.
But, I must be diligent and not rest on my laurels or take my Recovery for granted. In order to maintain my own sobriety around food, I have to give to others what has been so freely given to me. And getting my own house in order on a daily basis is paramount to that.
-anonymous
