FOUNDER'S CORNER ~ BEGINNINGS ~
"The distance is nothing; it's only the first step
that is difficult."
--Marquise du Deffand
I don't know if any of you are like me or not ... but
I have a difficult time getting started with things
sometimes. This wouldn't be so bad ... except that
when I get started with things I also have a difficult
time stopping. The latter is called tenacity or
possibly compulsive. The first could be called
laziness or inertia.
Today our community has two "beginnings." They
are both important and I hope that many of you
will see their worth. If you have a tendency to not
take that "first step" in things, then I hope you'll
stop reading this right now and do one of two things:
1. If you're a newcomer reading this, pull out your
keyboard and send a blank email to:
OANewcomers-subscribe-request@therecoverygroup.org
A new 12 Step Orientation is beginning and if you
have never worked a 12 Step program this is the
place you should be. Twelve Speakers have prepared
12 topics which will enable you to graduate on
March 31st. This will prepare you for the adventure of
a lifetime ... the beginning of your 12 Step Recovery
Program, a food plan, a sponsor, working the Steps, a
home loop and spiritual, emotional and physical growth.
A by-product will be serenity, weight loss and a
closer relationship with your Higher Power.
2. If you're not a newcomer, but have never worked
the 12 Steps or are ready to work them now, send a blank
email to:
WTS-subscribe-request@therecoverygroup.org
You can join hundreds of others just like yourself as
the 12 Steps are worked in an interactive group. John
S. will be the leader this quarter; the study
begins today and ends on June 30th.
You will need a sponsor for both of these. If you
don't have one, we'll help you find just the right
person to make your experience a cherished one.
Happy April, Loopies.
@-}-}-}------
Love in recovery,
Mari
~ INHALING ~
I used to inhale my food. Most of the time I was 1/2
or 3/4 of the way through my meal before even slowing
down enough to really taste it.
When I was in a restaurant, I would order based on how
much food I would get, as opposed to what I really had
a taste for. Only after inhaling most all that food
could I begin to relax, think straight, and regret
my decisions.
Of course, I was deep into the disease... and like
most, I was ashamed of my eating behavior, so I only
indulged publicly under certain circumstances, and
usually kept my binging to myself.
For me, finding abstinence was like a miracle...
because abstinence counts even when nobody is looking.
Even so, sometimes when I am feeling emotional, I
have to take a few deep breaths, exhale slowly and ask
myself, is this really hunger, or am I wanting to eat
over my emotions?
When I start to feel anger or resentment start to
rise, I take a deep breath and ask myself.... am I
angry because of some unmet expectation... and, are my
expectations rational?
When I am feeling afraid, not wanting to go, having no
confidence in myself, I try to take a few deep
breaths, and remind myself that the fear is all in my
head, and I have nothing to lose by exploring my fear
if I am already feeling the fear. Also, I try to
remind myself that most of the time, my fears turned
out to be all in my head, and not based on truth or
fact.
When I am feeling low, down on myself, full of
self-pity, unlovable, alone and depressed, I take a
few deep breaths and try to remind myself that this
will pass, the negativity is just part of the disease,
and I need to continue on and act "as if" until the
unwarranted emotion passes. I need to remind myself
of my accomplishments, and continue to learn to be my
own best friend.
Every day, I try to take my breathing to the next
level, and spend some time meditating/relaxing with my
thoughts. It helps quiet my mind, gather wisdom,
recognize truth, and find peace. It helps me make
decisions, take action, and affect my outcome.
Love in service,
Marilyn (Marils)
~ TRG ADM ~ The Administrative Hub ~
We have just completed a 12 step study presented by
Shlomo and will be beginning a new study April 1, on
the Working The Steps list.
Thank you so much for being the leader of a very
enlightening study these past four months, Shlomo.
The leader for this quarter will be John. John has
been around the Recovery Group for quite some time and
previously led one of our Step Studies in 2001. It's
not too late to join John and work the steps. Just
send an email to this address:
WTS-SUBSCRIBE-REQUEST@LISTS.THERECOVERYGROUP.ORG
You'll get back an email asking you to confirm your
subscription. When you get that mail, click on reply,
type ok in the body of the email and send.
An OA Newcomers Orientation will also be starting on
April 1st. Newcomers are encouraged to ask questions
in regard to both the 12-Step program and The Recovery
Group. Guest speakers will also present a series of
12 topics during this orientation period which range
from newcomers basics to a brief outline of the 12
Steps and the 12 Traditions.
OA Newcomers meetings are also offered. Here, those
new to the program may ask questions and learn more
about the OA on line meetings.
We would like to thank all of the volunteers who work
so diligently at their jobs. Each of you play a very
important part in keeping these loops and services
available for all compulsive eaters throughout the
world.
In loving service to all,
Nancy & Dodee, Administrators
The Recovery Group
http://www.TheRecoveryGroup.org
Contact:
TRGAdm@TheRecoveryGroup.org
~ ODAT LOOPS DIVISION ~
The ODAT Group Loops
The ODAT division is a group of loops which allow COEs
to share their Program with other COEs who share a
special focus.
We have groups for people in the same age group
(Silver, Teens); groups for those with similar
diseases (Disability, Depression, Pain, PMS,
Diabetes); groups for those with
family/relationship/experiential challenges (Divorce,
FFOA (Al-Anon), Parenting, Pregnancy & Motherhood,
Relationships, Grief, Isolation, Anger, Homebound,)
and groups for those who are also addicted to other
substances (SexandLoveAddicts, Spending, Drug Abuse,
AA). We also have groups for those who choose a
special food plan (Grey Sheet, HOW) and diverse groups
such as Israel (those who have an interest in Israel);
Strong Recovery (those who identify themselves as
working a strong Program) and Oanon (family and
friends of COEs); Abuse (a group for victims of
abuse); Creative (a group for people who are
creative); Rainbow (for those who are gay, lesbian
and transgender); and Weight Loss Surgery (for those
who have had, or are considering weight loss surgery).
We also have groups for those who share the same
faith. We have strong and active sharing in the
Jewish group. They regularly share wisdom from the
Torah and from Jewish scholars, and relate this wisdom
to working their Program. The Christian group shares
scriptures, and has regular prayers. The Pagan group
has sharing that relates to others who share an
earth-based religion. We also have an LDS group,
though it is not currently as active as the others.
If you want information on any of the ODAT groups,
please contact me and I will be glad to answer any
questions.
Blessings,
Donna
ODAT Division Chairperson
Email:
odatadm@yahoo.com
Web page: www.theRecoveryGroup.org/odat/index.html
~ RECOVERY LOOPS DIVISION ~
The Recovery Loops Division is made up of TRG's
Twelve-step general sharing support groups. Our common
mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for
anyone who wants to recover from the disease of
compulsive eating to share their experience, strength,
and hope with others. In addition, some of these loops
also have a special focus. The loops that make up this
Division are: Anorexia and Bulimia, The Big Book, 200
Plus, Journey to Recovery, Meditations, OA Friends, OA
Newcomers, OA Recovery, Relapse, Sponsor-Sponsee-Talk,
Working the Steps (“WTS”), and WTS Weekly.
WTS will be beginning a new 12-Step Study in April. We
hope that many of you will be joining us for this
study. As always many of the participants in this
study will be looking for sponsors to help guide them
through the Steps. Why not improve your own recovery
by sponsoring another?
Several of the Recovery Group Loops are in need of
coordinators. I know that giving service by being a
coordinator of a loop has added a lot to my own
recovery and hope that you will consider this
opportunity to give service. If you are interested in
becoming a coordinator, please contact me at:
the address below.
Respectfully submitted,
CherylS, Chair
The Recovery Group Loops Division
More details about these support groups can be found at:
www.theRecoveryGroup.org/trg.html
Contact: recoveryloopsadm@yahoo.com
~ DISCOVERY LOOPS DIVISION ~
Hello, everyone.
*Warning: food mentioned*
Hello from Abstinent Kitchen, Discovery
Division.
This month I thought I'd include two
sample recipes for anyone interested in
vegetarian meals. I've gotten more
interested because of various medical
conditions as well as being a
recovering COE. All of these you can
find plus many others by going to the
Discovery Division, clicking on
the Abstinent Kitchen and then
choosing the low-fat recipes and
clicking the vegetarian site there.
The url is:
http://www.therecoverygroup.org/discovery/index.html
One other note: We still need a
second coordinator for Abstinent
Kitchen and for Exercise loops,
and one or two coordinators for
Co-Kids. If interested please
contact me at:
Here are the two Vegetarian Recipes:
Southwestern Salad
Ingredients (Preparation Method)
------------------------------------------
2 cups cooked brown rice or other whole grain
1 can black beans (drained & rinsed)
2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 red bell pepper(chopped)
1 small onion (chopped)
1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or to taste)
1/4 cup cilantro -- chopped
1 jalapeno pepper (minced) or cayenne to taste
1 teaspoon chili powder
Combine all ingredients. Tastes
even better if you let it stand,
refrigerated or at room
temperature, for 1 hour before
serving. This salad
keeps for days.
Calories: 162
Total Fat: 1 gram
Dietary Fiber: 6 grams
WW Points: 2.62
Greens, Beans and Grains
Ingredients:
---------------------------------
2 tablespoons lite soy sauce
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste
2/3 cup of barley
2/3 cup of wild rice
10 oz. package frozen spinach, thawed (broccoli works, too)
2 tablespoons Italian herbs
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup small white beans, precooked or canned
pinch of crushed red pepper to taste
Directions:
Bring two cups of water to
a boil. Stir in the soy
sauce and hot sauce, then
the grains. Bring back to a
boil and then lower heat to
a simmer, covered, for 45
minutes or so, until it reaches
the texture you enjoy most.
If the mood strikes while the
barley and rice are cooking,
you could saute a bit of
fresh garlic and onion to
add in when the grains are
cooked instead of
using garlic powder. When
the grains are done, take
off the heat, add in the
rest of the ingredients
except the red pepper and
mix well. Place in serving
dish and sprinkle hot pepper
over the top.
Serves: 2 or 3
Preparation time: less than 1 hour including cooking
In loving service,
Athena
Discovery Division Chair
Contact:
Web page: www.TheRecoveryGroup.org/discovery/index.html
Email:
DiscoveryAdm@yahoo.com
or DiscoveryAdm@lists.TheRecoveryGroup.org
~ THE RECOVERY TELEPHONE ANGELS ~
(\0/) (\0/) (\0/)
/ \ / \ / \
Dear Telephone Angels,
My name is Marilyn (aka TRGMarils) and It is my
privilege to serve as the new Coordinator of the TRG
Telephone Angels program.
Early in my career, I worked as a headhunter in the
investment industry, and I learned that
the telephone could be a very useful and powerful
tool. Just before coming to OA, I learned that
again, on a more personal level. In fact, my
recovery began with the telephone.
I had hit rock bottom, and my life was falling apart.
Someone gave me the name of a well-respected therapist who specialized in addiction.
Since this person no longer practiced in
my area and was now semi-retired, we agreed to have
our sessions by phone.
I must say, I dreaded that first session. I had not
even been to an OA meeting yet. I did
not want someone prying into my personal life. I did
not want to spill my guts, only to have someone
trample all over them with criticism. Still, I knew I
needed to make a change in my life.
My experience, however, could not have been more
wonderful. The person was kind, friendly, and very
understanding. He was a big supporter of the 12-Step
process. From our first conversation, my life changed.
I learned about shame, fear, and how insulating
myself from hurt was isolating myself from life.
I can honestly say that my life changed with that very
first phone call... and subsequent calls really rocket
launched me into my recovery. I wish all could have
that kind of experience.
Thank you to those willing to donate your time and
offering to be a lifeline to those who need to speak
with someone. It is an honor to be working among you.
To join our list of telephone angels
and share your recovery with others
through this service please contact:
Telephoneangels@yahoo.com
In your email please include the
following information so that you may
be properly listed in the directory:
- Your name
- Email address
- Publish your email address? (Yes or No)
- What city and state you live in (this way people
can find someone closer to them)
- Your phone number ~ area code and
number
- Your time zone (like Eastern Standard)
- Best times to call?
- Should folks leave a message or not?
- And, any other info you want callers to know, such as: “What is the focus of your
Recovery?”
Note:
- We do not publish website mentions.
- No advertisements or spam is allowed.
- The Telephone Angel Directory is
published as an outreach tool for our
TRG Recovery Loop members ONLY
and is PRIVATE and CONFIDENTIAL!
- Phone numbers should never be
shared under any circumstances.
Thanks in advance for considering
giving service.
In service,
Marilyn (Marils)
Coordinator, Telephone Angels Directory
The Recovery Telephone Angels Program
Telephoneangels@yahoo.com.
~ NEWCOMER'S CORNER ~
Newcomers meetings are Monday and Tuesday, 8PM EST and Thursday 10PM EST
~ MEET Sam.~
Twenty-six year old Sam hails to us from Toronto,
Ontario Canada; and like many who attend these online
meetings, finds that without an OA meeting in his
local area, commuting back and forth from meetings can
be a frustrating and time-consuming experience.
Sam, what did you think when you attended your first
online meeting?
"I thought wow this is NEAT! I wish I found out about
online meetings a long time ago, I would be more likey
to be a part of it as I am online all the time...
rather than having to commit myself to Sunday mornings
at an f2f that takes over an hour to get to by public
transportation."
"The flexiblity of the meetings, having one every
three hours is wonderful, I can look at my clock and
just jump in anytime I have free... but I really like
the support you get from here."
Sam, is there anything that you would like to say to
the folks that come to The Recovery Group?
"Yes. 'You have found the right place, support, and
unconditional love! Give it a chance to work the
program and it will work for you. I have just found
my sponsor and I am starting the process myself, so I
am excited.' "
When not at a meeting or at his computer, however, you
would probably find him kicking back, ie. hanging out with his
friends, going to movies, or going out for coffee.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and
experience with us, Sam. It is a pleasure to have
you as a member of our community.
Love in recovery,
Marilyn (TRGMarils)
Newcomer's Meeting Leader
Email:
mtgadm@lists.therecoverygroup.org
~ OA SECOND QUARTER NEWCOMERS' ORIENTATION ~
OA Newcomers is pleased to announce a new Orientation
Session which will begin April 1 and end June 30.
OA Newcomers provides Newcomers with a temporary haven
before they move on to a permanent home loop. While at
OANewcomers, members participate in an Orientation
Program in which they are introduced to The Recovery
Group and 12 Step basics. The orientation period
lasts for 12 intensive weeks of orientation during
which time the newcomers are encouraged to ask
questions and are introduced to various topics.
We invite Guest Speakers to present the following
topics; Basics; Netiquette, Subscriptions, tips, what
to do first, etc., The Twelve Steps, spirituality, the
Twelve Traditions, Sponsors, On-line and Face-to-Face
meetings, The Recovery Group Loops, Studies and
Services, Food Plans, The Three Legged Stool,
Literature with a focus on the OA 12 & 12, Big Book
and TRG writings, Recovery Topics on The Recovery
Website, Service and How to Share appropriately F2F
and on Home Loop. The speakers send their articles,
that includes questions for review, to the loop. The
newcomers then post their responses to the loop, ask
questions, discuss the topics,.. etc.
We also invite the Coordinators from OA Friends, OA
Recovery, and Journey to Recovery to share about those
loops as they will become the 12 Step Home loop for
many of the Newcomers when they move on from
OANewcomers.
In addition to the three-month orientation, we have a
Sponsor Program for newcomers and special Newcomer
Meetings. We urge all members of our Newcomers'
Orientation Group to choose a sponsor soon after they
arrive and to attend as many Newcomer Meetings as
possible.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO ALL NEWCOMERS WHO NEED US.
ORIENTATION BEGINS APRIL 1ST.
Thank you.
In Loving Service,
The Trusted Servants of TRG
CONTACTS:
Newcomer's Coordinator, Lisa:
OANewcomers@yahoo.com
TRGAdm:
TRGAdm@TheRecoveryGroup.org
TO JOIN:
OANewcomers-subscribe-request@lists.therecoverygroup.org
NEWCOMERS WEBSITE:
http://www.therecoverygroup.org/newcomers/index.html
RECOVERY WEBSITE:
http://www.therecoverygroup.org
~ PROMPTLY ADMITTING WRONG ~
Boy is this hard to do, but nothing pays off like
doing so! I just had a tiff with my husband. We are
under a great deal of stress right now and some it
boiled over for both of us.
The wonderful thing is that I have a program and
within moments I could see where I had been wrong and
was able to admit it and apologize. I did not lead
with the chin, but asked him if he was calmed down yet
and he said yes. We can move on with the rest of the
night together and we tackle solving the issue when we
are both in a better frame of mind to do so.
I do not have to eat over this, stuff my anger, cave
in on myself with shame, relive the incident over and
over or blame him over and over. It is finished!
Wow!
Thank God for the 12 steps and for living in steps 10,
11 and 12.
Love,
Lanaya
~ NEW WTS QUARTERLY STUDY ~
Please mark your calendar for the WTS Second Quarter
Step Study which will begin on April 1st. If you have
12-Step Friends in other groups or belong to other 12-Step
loops, you have our permission to forward them
this invitation.
Working The Steps (WTS) is a quarterly, in-depth
e-mail study of the Twelve Steps. Members actively
work each Step with their personal sponsor, the WTS
Step Leader and one another by posting their Step work to
the loop and by encouraging other members as they
post.
The WTS group is completing an intensive and
extraordinary 12 week workshop with Shlomo S. as the
Step Leader. Beginning April 1 and ending June 30,
the WTS Step Leader will be John S. We look forward
to another wonderful three month study with John. For
those who join now, you will be able to observe
a bit of the current study and review it all on the
website at:
www.therecoverygroup.org/wts/2006/index.html
In addition to the 2006 study, the text and questions
used by the WTS loop for the past ten years can be
found right here online at:
www.therecoverygroup.org/wts/index.html
Our Step Leaders have been among the most
inspirational Step Leaders imaginable and have brought
to the online world of recovery something very
special. Our deep gratitude goes to all of them.
We ask that you have a sponsor when you join the
study. If you do not have one, we have a sponsor
program and ask that you read:
www.therecoverygroup.org/sponsors/index.html If you
already have one, please encourage them to join the
study with you.
WTS is not a general sharing list. There is no
crosstalk on WTS and members respond only to shares
and questions by the Step Leader. There is no
required literature but the AA Big Book and the OA
Twelve Steps and Traditions are good to have as you
make your way through the twelve steps. Both can
be purchased online at
www.oa.org.
All questions should be directed to:
WTSAdm@lists.therecoverygroup.org .
In loving service,
The Trusted Servants of WTS
www.TheRecoveryGroup.org/wts/index.html
~ QUIET TIME ~
Do you take time each day to just be with yourself and
your HP? While I started praying right off the bat,
this notion of spending quiet time with myself and my
HP seemed a bit unnerving. Thoughts continued to
race through my head at a million miles per second, so
I would quickly give up.
Lately, however, I have taken some steps toward having
this quiet time by experimenting with things that
worked for me. I have continued to try to find that
quiet time, and for me, it is starting to come.
Thoughts often flitter in and out of my head but I
find myself slowly getting better at listening to what
my HP is telling me. I sit in a comfortable chair with
a blanket on my lap, a candle lit on the table and the
lights off. The chair rocks, so I rock lightly,
occasionally, and just watch the flame flicker and
dance. In this moment I feel held in the loving arms
of my HP, and I know he is with me and will still keep
trying to talk to me even
when the thoughts roll through my mind.
Love and {{{hugs}}} in recovery,
Karen
~ FROM THE TWELVE-STEP LITERATURE ~
~~ AN AA BIG BOOK READING~~
If you have decided you want what we have
and are willing to go to any length to get it --
then you are ready to take certain steps.
At some of these we balked. We thought we could
find an easier, softer way. But we could not.
With all the earnestness at our command, we beg
of you to be fearless and thorough from the very
start. Some of us have tried to hold on to our old
ideas and the result was nil until we let go
absolutely.
c. 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 58
With permission, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
MY SHARE...
Thought to Consider:
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
I really like this Big Book passage because it tells
it like it IS! If we want what they have found, we
have to go to any lengths, as they did, to get it!
It's been nearly four years since I first found the
Recovery Group Meetings. I was a very depressed,
anxious, and frustrated person. When I got into the
meeting, I knew that I had finally found "Home."
As we are doing the WTS Steps online right now, this
passage became even more meaningful. I have gone thru
the BB with greater depth than ever before, and I'm
finding there's always more to learn!
Some of the detailed processes frustrated me and I
wondered if I would ever get it done. But I
remembered the line, you can't take the "easier and
softer" way. This is a process that we never get
"done." It is an ongoing daily life process - One Day
at A Time. I'm so greatful I found it because I have
now added more patience, serenity, and peace to my
life than I ever thought possible.
Thank God for the Big Book text and all its rewards.
MUCH love in your Recovery,
Myrlene (Big Book and Recovery Group Coordinator)
~ NEW WRITERS SERIES ~
As announced to you earlier, because of the high
incidence of cancer in obese men and women, we have
begun a twelve step support group for compulsive
eaters who have been diagnosed with cancer.
We take great pleasure in also announcing a special
Writer's Series which begins today. One of our most
active Trusted Servants was recently diagnosed with
cancer and is finding solace in writing a journal as
she begins her journey to wellness. Through her
words, you will be invited into her personal life as
she receives the diagnosis which was life altering,
the feelings elicited by this new knowledge, her
chemotherapy and so much more.
Lee Anne's journal will be sent to you as part of the
Recovery Writer's Series and will also be a part of
the Recovery Website.
If you have cancer or know of a COE who does, ask them
to come join our support group by sending a blank
email to the address below. It means so much to be
able to share things like this with others who
understand.
To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to:
cancer-subscribe-request@lists.therecoverygroup.org
In loving service,
The Trusted Servants of Recovery
CONTACTS:
www.therecoverygroup.org/cancer/index.html
TRGCancerAdm@yahoo.com
