Here is a list of terms and slogans you may hear in a meeting
- Abstinence – when members say that they are “abstinent” it means that they are not, eating compulsively or engaging in compulsive food behaviors, including binge eating, binging and purging, restricting food, etc.
- Sponsor – When we decided that the program was a good fit for us we chose to begin working with a sponsor, a person who acts as a mentor who guides us through the 12 Steps.
- Meetings – Meetings are a way to connect with other members, and get strength and solutions during discussions on topics
- HP, Higher Power, God – You will hear references to God or a Higher Power (HP) during meetings. The 12 steps are spiritual in nature, but we are not affiliated with any religious practice.
- Serenity Prayer – God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.
- Anonymity – Within the Fellowship, anonymity means that whatever we share with another OA members will be held in respect and confidence. What we hear at meetings, should remain there. Another aspect of anonymity is that we are all equal in the Fellowship, whether we are newcomers or seasoned long-timers. And our outside status makes no difference in OA, we have not stars or VIPs. We come together simply as compulsive overeaters.