Beginning the OA program, we are inclined to feel that our problems and difficulties are largely due to circumstances and other people. The enemy seems to be outside. The more we work the Steps, the more we realize that our troubles are within, rather than without. Furthermore, we learn that the only person we can change is our self.

######ROSIE.....well of course my injuries are due to the abuse i suffered....i mean my abuser did **cause me to stumble* however soon as i had enough recovery **under my belt* i now feel that it is **all upon me now* ....i am responsible now for what i do.....i am mentally and emotionally healthy enough now to take responsibility......i forgive/ look at me with compassion for my past mistakes that were as a result of my enormous injuries..... the enemy WAS outside of me as a child.....now i am looking within.... my troubles/ defects/ survival tools are what i created in order to survive......now i am addressing them.....modifying the ones that are good.....getting rid of the ones that are bad/destructive.....and yes, i am the only person who can change me....it must **begin and end with me* i am keeping the focus on **my side of the street being clean*.......

We see that the root of our difficulty lies in being centered on self instead of centered in our Higher Power. Our egos can take us only so far before we reach a point where continued growth demands that we begin to abandon them. What a relief to get rid of the anxiety, frustration, and fear that goes with an ego centered life!

######ROSIE....oh yes, trying to run my life in my **own steam* instead of that of a higher power....not **giving up to the universe* what i could not handle...trying to take on all the burden on my little shoulders, nearly crushed me......and yes, surrender to me, is not giving UP myself, it is aligning myself with my HP....cooperation with the universe.....i had to **give me up * to my abuser....now i **align* with my hp.....yes, i have choice...and i choose to do what i can/ detach from the rest..... my ego centered life kept me in want....fear...frustration... misery and defeat.....since i decided to **let go let hp* it is so much better.....i know i don't have to **beat my head against the wall* i can detach!!!!! let go!!! unhood!!!!! safe my sanity

Our Higher Power removes our character defects as we become willing to let go of them. Honest awareness is our first task, and this is facilitated by maintaining abstinence from compulsive overeating. Abstinence gives us the honesty and the energy to change. As we change, circumstances and relationships improve.