Positive Action Changes Everything

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MHIG info

Weekly Meeting Updates

Public Outreach / Professional Information Report

We began our service in September 2018 at a wellness fair at Orange County Community College in Newburgh that was open to students and the public. We had introductory literature and contact information to distribute.

In October, we attended a Workplace Wellness fair for employers to acquaint themselves with resources that might help their employees' health. It was held in Poughkeepsie.

In November, we attended an eating disorders conference in Kingston and had literature for professionals to familiarize them with Overeaters Anonymous as a resource and support group for their clients.

So we have been in 3 counties and reached out to 3 different areas of our community who might spread the existence of OA. Winter and holidays have paused our work. But we look forward to being involved with more as the year progresses.

— Mary Ellen, PO/PI committee

Intergroup Meeting Dates for 2019

We have secured the dates for 2019 with the Gardiner Library. Please go back to your meetings and invite all to attend. We had a GREAT session on Saturday and I am sure many more to come. 

Gardiner Library 12pm-2pm

133 Farmer's Turnpike, Gardiner, NY 12525  

1/19/19

3/23/19

5/11/19

7/20/19

9/21/19

November Meeting will be IDEA day. 

Thank you all for your Service!!

 Mid-Hudson Intergroup

Spring Retreat 

OA WSO News

Step One - Honesty

Tradition One - Unity

Step One: We admitted we were powerless over food—that our lives had become unmanageable.

Recovery began for me with Step One, when I admitted I was powerless over food and, as a result, my life was unmanageable.

It gave me comfort, admitting my powerlessness. After all my failed attempts at dieting, I could see I had no control over food. Between my meals, or even after I ate a complete dinner, I craved more food. I spent my attention thinking about what, when, and how much I would eat; then I’d have to recover from eating it. All that bingeing left me little time for anything else. I ate to numb my pain, feel better about myself, and forget my problems, but any relief was temporary. And overeating sapped my energy so much I had none left to give others or put toward activities that would normally be fun.

In order to get well, I had to admit I was sick. For many years, I’d denied I had a problem. I usually binged alone, so I could consume as much as I wanted yet remain in denial about how much I was eating. What I didn’t know is that I have an allergy to certain foods: I cannot stop eating them after I start. I learned I have a mental obsession; it tries to convince me I can eat anything at all without suffering consequences. This obsession is not rational. It is my own self-will running riot, pushing me from bite to bite, all the way to a binge.

My life’s unmanageability was harder to recognize. In spite of my addiction, I’d managed to maintain some of my commitments and responsibilities. But, by letting go of the illusion that I could control my behavior, I took the first step on my journey of recovery. I was able to recognize my powerlessness when I looked at my endless cycle of overeating: no matter how desperately I’d believed I would never binge again, I couldn’t stop. At first, when I admitted my life was unmanageable, what I really meant was my food was unmanageable. It was when I worked the Steps that I began to see how unmanageable my life really was. When I admitted I cannot manage my own life, then, and only then, was I able to let go of trying to control everyone and everything else.

What a relief it was to let go—I could stop wearing myself out making futile efforts. In OA, I ask my Higher Power to help me cope with cravings and not take a first compulsive bite, for just twenty-four hours. I need to take Step One every day. Denial is part of my illness; I can easily forget I am one bite away from a binge. But change is possible. There is a solution.

— Connie W., Plymouth, Wisconsin USA - Lifeline Magazine

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Tradition One: Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon OA unity.

Nothing bonds relationships more comfortably than a common enemy. People are willing to put their differences, opinions, and beliefs aside when that common root helps everybody overcome. This is the heart that pumps the blood of OA. In the rooms, we all suffer from the same problem. The idea that we should “unite to fight” is appealing. Although addiction has a way of haunting people into believing they should walk with their disease in isolation, OA brings comfort: we do not have to fight alone.

Our common welfare—being unified for the still-suffering addict so he or she can find strength—is what helps people most. People usually do not want to admit they’re too weak. It’s embarrassing for us to say we’ve been defeated. Meanwhile, our egos can carry our pride right down a river of dismay.

Let’s unite with the group. It’s what we’re here for. We don’t have to dance alone; the beat of the drum calls everyone by name. We’re a family, not outsiders. We may not always feel this way, but it’s true.

Tradition One keeps this message true for all. The common unity of gaining abstinence for the suffering addict; yes, this purpose serves for all who walk into the OA rooms. This unity keeps the group together and gives a foundation for a program to grow. It’s good soil for the fruit of recovery, and it serves a purpose: this can be an answer for all suffering addicts. Let Tradition One stand as a pillar of hope for those who have come a long way searching for it.

— Tony B.  - Lifeline Magazine

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