Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon OA unity.

No Better, No Worse

The Twelve Steps of Overeaters Anonymous begin with the words, “We admitted we were powerless over food…” and continue on that theme ending with, “…we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” Is it any surprise that the first Tradition intended to guide our Fellowship is about unity?

Bill W. discovered he had to work with another alcoholic to remain sober. I’ve tried to do this program on my own and failed. The only way I can be guaranteed a place to recover is for OA to remain whole.

Over the years, I’ve learned I don’t have to get my way and don’t have to like everyone in order to recover. I do have to treat everyone and their ideas with respect. I’m not better (or worse) than anyone else in the Fellowship. As long as I keep my focus on helping others and doing God’s will, I do okay. I’m a compulsive overeater who needs all of you so I can stay abstinent.

Tradition One has also taught me a lot about living in the world. Just like in OA, trying to force my will always gets me into trouble and hurts others. But when I focus on cooperation and unity within any group or relationship, I feel more at peace and things go better. I can no longer afford to focus on my petty wants in life, because they always lead me to the food. I stay abstinent today by keeping my focus on unity with others and with God.

— Edited and reprinted from Today newsletter, St. Louis Bi-State Area Intergroup, January 2004

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