The new year used to feel stressful for me. Every January came with the same familiar pressure to start over, make a plan, and finally “fix” my eating and my weight. I would make resolutions with real sincerity, believing that this time I would follow through. And every year, those resolutions failed.

Before starting the Overeaters Anonymous 12-step program of recovery, I didn’t understand that my resolutions were really attempts to control. I was trying, once again, to manage food, my body, and my life through self-will. I believed the next calendar beginning—a new year, a new month, even a new Monday—would somehow make me a different person. What I know now is that I don’t need a new year to begin again.

Today, instead of resolutions, I rely on a power greater than myself by working the 12 Steps daily. That shift has changed everything. I’ve learned that abstinence with peace of mind was never something I could achieve on my own, no matter how determined I was. I had years of proof of that.

Recovery has taught me a simpler way to live. Rather than making promises about the future, I take things one day at a time. I practice surrender, especially when my old ideas show up and tell me that I should be in charge. When I let go of self-will, I experience something I never found through effort alone: freedom.

Life in recovery looks different now. The constant obsession with food has quieted and my life has become manageable. I am more than 70 pounds lighter, but the deeper change is internal. I am less driven by fear and control, and more present in my life. This new way of living didn’t come from trying harder; it came from letting go.

If you’re new to OA or you've never been to a meeting, you’re welcome to join us. You don’t need to commit or decide anything in advance and there are no fees or dues. You can attend an in-person or virtual meeting via our meeting directory. A new year doesn’t have to mean a new resolution. There is a solution and I hope that others get to experience what I have managed to experience through this program. 

Hi everyone, I’m a compulsive overeater and food addict. It’s been about nine months since I posted on this blog. The reason is that I’ve spent the last 9 months “in the food.” I’ve been overeating, binging and feeling like I’ve got nothing to say that would offer strength and hope. But that’s what happens when I turn my back on this program. I become restless, irritable, and discontent, focused on myself and not others. 
 
So, today is a new year, and I’m in a much better place. I’ve been abstinent and spiritually fit for 47 days and I’m finally starting to feel like myself again. The weight is coming off and I’m feeling serenity. I’m also feeling the strength to start sharing my story again¾something that I try to do at regular Overeaters Anonymous meetings and by reaching out via text and phone to fellows. I do this as part of my step 12:
 
“Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” (Source: The Twelve Steps of Overeaters Anonymous).
 
I also recognize that I must make the time to work the steps every single day. There’s no vacation from it for me and I know that this is my way of life. But it’s a life that I prefer over the life I had, which was characterized by days, weeks and months of feeling tired, not wanting to get off the couch, feeling mad at myself and the world, and not being a good friend, partner, or employee. That’s not who I am, and I know that it’s who I become when I’m relying on myself and not this program. 
 
So, while I know I’m far from perfect, I also recognize that my brain can come up with any excuse for why I can’t do the simple things in life. Like getting up and meditating every day, going to meetings, and providing service etc. When I stop doing these things, I slip back into old patterns of behaviours. And once I’m back there, it’s incredibly hard for me to pull myself out of the black hole. On more than one occasion over the years, I’ve let myself reach the point of shear desperation and despair. But every time I manage to pull myself out of that hole, I learn another lesson and remember why it’s just not worth it to go back there again. 
 
I know a lot of people blog, journal and write to put their feelings down on paper. It can help us better understand our actions and reactions in a way that is often not revealed by simply thinking about them. I also know that when I share how I’m feeling it can help others who are feeling the same. That’s my hope in life. To do something for others and give back in a way that feels genuine, honest and authentic to me. 
 
If you’re new to Overeaters Anonymous, or you’re looking to start out again, come along to one of our meetings. It takes time, and there’s no quick fix. But there is a solution and way of life that provides an alternative to the one I had, which was no fun. 
 
I’m not sure what 2025 will bring. I trust that my higher power will guide me. And for today, I’ll just remember that I’m no longer running the show. I am no longer alone on this journey. I have hope, faith, and a new spiritual awareness that is all thanks to this program of recovery. For that I am grateful. 

Hi everyone,  I'm a compulsive overeater eater and food addict. I've been a member of Overeaters Anonymous since early 2020. Since then, I've completed the twelve steps a few times, and I have experienced a new life. I'm far from perfect but I'm practicing the steps every day now. 
 
I'm starting this blog as a way to put more effort into my twelfth step:
 
"Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alchololics and to practice these principles in all our affairs." - Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., p. 60
 
This blog is just one of the ways I'm trying to carry the message of recovery to those who still stuffer. I also serve as an intergroup representative (my role is administrator of the OA Sea to Sky website). This year, I'm also starting a monthly newsletter to share these blogs, along with any announcements, updates, and useful resources from across the region and beyond.
 
I'm not someone who considers myself an expert in Overeaters Anonymous. But I do want to help by sharing my own experiences, along with the experiences of others. I don’t consider this my blog. Just like the OA Sea to Sky website isn't my website. It's the blog and website of all members of Overeaters Anonymous in the Sea to Sky Intergroup Region #09217. You’re all welcome to contribute!
 
I encourage anyone who wishes to share their messages of strength, hope and recovery to consider writing a blog post. It doesn’t have to be long or perfect (I’ll apologize in advance for any spelling or grammar mistakes I make). Also, if you have any updates or announcements for the group, let me know by emailing [email protected], and I'll include them in the next newsletter. 
 
My goal is to do at least one of these blog posts a month. But if we have more people submit, one a week will make for a more interesting newsletter! So, please feel free to reach out. I'll ensure that you remain anonymous (I'm also happy to mention your name if you wish). 
 
I'd also like to share another blog from the Overeaters Anonymous Region 1 Second Vice Chair, Laurie A. Her blog can be found on the Overeaters Anonymous Region One website. 
 
One other thing I'd like to share is a link to the Overeaters Anonymous website and OA bookstore. There's a load of resources on these sites that I've been finding really useful. And of course, if you haven’t seen it already, we have a list of local OA meetings that you can go to on the OA Sea to Sky website.