OA NoVA Intergroup

Did you pray about it?” is a frequent question my sponsor asks me. When I’m tempted, when I’m struggling, when I’m doubting and I share my thoughts and feelings, she’ll counter with: Did you pray about it? Now the question comes to me in my own thoughts and as I respond more and more by actually praying about it, the peace and serenity and strength of my HP grows within me.

Alice M.

My sponsor always reminds me to go to God first. Staying close to my Higher Power is the answer to my spiritual malady, and as a precious child of God I am always taken care of one moment at a time!

Anonymous

My sponsor has helped me deepen my understanding of acceptance, caring, and love for another person. She has been there when I needed help.

Suzie/Amelia

My OA sponsor has taught me to accept life on life's terms. He helps me integrate OA into my home and work life. I trust him with helping me with the affairs of the world while I work to stay abstinent; which I have done God-willing for ten months and plan to do the same for the next two months.

Jason B.

My sponsor taught me to put kindness first and to see that every person can be a potential teacher, including me. My recovery buddy reminds me of the many ways that OA steps and tools teach me to "Show up and grow up.

Jody E.

An important lesson my sponsor has helped me to learn is that it's important to look within when I am having a problem, especially when my reaction to the person or situation seems out of proportion

Ruth M.

My Abstinence is an ongoing process or learning how to eat in a serene way. When I make a choice that does not serve my abstinence the key is not about judging it as a "break" of abstinence but rather saying: "What can I learn from this" and "How can it help me in the future."

For example, I am very challenged around buffets (what a surprise for an overeater) and have this desire to taste everything I can. I just spent a week abroad where I had to eat 21 meals in a week off of a buffet. I was very good at having no Red Light foods and minimal Yellow Light foods but struggled with volume on the Green Light foods. So my sponsor said you know that about yourself so the next time you have to deal with a buffet start with a 60 second time out and reflect on that is in front of you. Make a plan of what to put on my plate and how much... So in essence I think of OA and Abstinence as a journey of self awareness and a deeper connection to my HP (which OA is a big part of) for an evolving abstinence.

Alan

What I have learned from my sponsor My sponsor has helped me recognize wins that I have achieved in managing my emotions and related actions. An OA "elder" has taught me that having a plan, the more detailed the better, for the day ahead is a powerful tool for maintaining abstinence.

Molly

Through my sponsor (and reinforced through my relationships with my fellows), I've learned that most mistakes are not fatal. Being honest and forthcoming, I reap the benefit of receiving valuable input and advice from others.

Marti

My sponsor has helped me learn the importance of abstinence to the success of this program. My sponsor has helped me learn to set boundaries. My sponsor has helped me work my program in a more constructive, holistic way.

Anonymous

My sponsor has helped me learn that I can do something with a good intention and let go of the results. Talking to a newcomer is one example. I can’t control if they even come back. But can make the phone call, say a prayer for them, and let go.

Anonymous

It's a deeply ingrained belief, but my sponsor is helping me learn that people do want to help me, that I'm not a burden, and that we take care of each other in this program. It's something I can accept intellectually, but my heart is having a hard time grasping the concept. Fortunately, my sponsor is patient and doesn't mind repeating herself.

Sarah

It’s not so much what I’ve learned. It is what I’ve experienced. I’ve experienced unconditional love.

Anonymous