6/21 Food for Thought

[Cynay]

You are reading from the book Food for Thought

Discipline

If we think of discipline in terms of punishment, we miss the more constructive meanings of the word. Discipline is order, training, practice, and study. Without it, our lives are ineffective and full of chaos. Before we came to OA, our eating patterns were probably chaotic. We may have been short of order in other areas, too.

Discipline is a tool, which produces self-respect and a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. When we discipline ourselves to eat three measured meals a day, we achieve physical and emotional results, which make our spirits, sing! The discipline of the OA program liberates us from the tyranny of self-will and self-indulgence.

As we develop trust in our Higher Power, we begin to see that the hardships and difficulties we face are means to spiritual development. Through them, we acquire self-discipline and strength. Our lives become ordered according to God's plan.

Make me willing, Lord, to accept the discipline of an ordered life.

From Food for Thought: Daily Meditations for Overeaters by Elisabeth L. ©1980, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation.

[Neagrm]

I trust in a HP ... at least I've always thought I do. Some part of me must not, though. I often feel like a hopeless case when it comes to food. I meditate, pray, read, talk, study, listen. And still am out of control with food.

What am I not facing, accepting, dealing with, avoiding? I surrender, call out, cry out, keep on keeping on, let go, .... I don't know what more I could do than I am doing.

I've seen healing in myself and others in many areas. Somehow this seems insurmountable despite my efforts. I cry out for help. I open my heart. There is something ... keeping me ... down and beaten regarding food.

I'm afraid my bottom will only be my death on this earth. I have high cholesterol with the onset of midlife. I am so weak in my compulsion for immediate gratification with food. You'd think the numbers (blood labs) the doctor told me yesterday would be enough to set me on the right path, with the will power to control myself.

My intentions and wishes have no substance and are blown away like mist in the wind. It seems I am a hopeless case despite working the Al-Anon program; diligently and persistently I keep coming back. I don't want future health issues to be the only thing that stops me. My mental feet remain mired in the mud ... :-(

Nea