How has / does OA help you to "Live Life on Life's Terms?" What does that mean to you?

How many times are we gifted with newcomers to our meetings? They are so easy to see as they huddle in the back of the room -- usually as close to the exit as possible. Their over sized coat is a good
giveaway, especially in July. Their eyes show the fear and anxiety that we all felt. Sure, we made it, and so can they.

I remember the elder who first said those magical words to me -- those two simple words -- "Welcome Home." The warmth and safety those words held were immense. I felt that my body was huge, and I was embarrassed
in a room full of people who looked very similar to me...but my eyes could not see that. They were filled with tears because of those two words. Welcome home. Whoever that person was, I have two words for
you, "Thank you."

What can you do to make a newcomer feel welcome to your meeting? Let us not forget that all-important first hug. I remember mine; do you remember yours? It felt good, I'll bet. So welcome the newcomer and
let them know they are home.

***How do you do your part to welcome newcomers into our fellowship?

“Balance activity with serenity, wealth with simplicity, persistence with innovation, community with solitude, familiarity with adventure, constancy with change, leading with following.”
                                                                                                                       ~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie



How has OA helped you create balance in your life?

“In his private heart ...
no man much respects himself.”

Mark Twain

:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~

I had no confidence or satisfaction in myself. I covered my lack of self-respect with absurd and harmful behaviors. I shielded myself from the respect and love of others by using these behaviors. I wanted to hide from the truth I knew - that I was behaving badly and dishonestly.


Having begun this program which restores us to sanity, we have stepped into a new realm of learning to love and respect ourselves. We have come to realize that we gain self-respect by working the Steps, surrendering ego, doing service for others, and relying on a Higher Power. Our lives become useful, our hearts are healed, and we are filled with respect for who we have become.


ONE DAY AT A TIME . . .

May I come to realize I am worthy of self-respect because I am doing the right things for the right reasons... and giving credit to my Higher Power.