Newsletter of Milwaukee Area Intergroup of Overeaters ...Nov/Dec 2015—Out of the Cocoon, a...

Nov/Dec 2015—Out of the Cocoon, a newsletter of Milwaukee Area Intergroup

Newsletter of Milwaukee Area Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous Nov/Dec 2015

foods. Who would I be? How would I act? How could I live without my junk food? I’d die if I couldn’t eat what I wanted when I wanted it. The very thought of abstaining was scary.

After I’d binged through another holiday season, God finally said, “I know you are ready to be ab-stinent, so just set the date.” Uh-oh. A direct order from God. He told me clearly to stop messing around. So I chose January 1, 1992, as my first abstinent date (a week after I got my orders from God).

Boy, I had the mother of all binges that New Year’s Eve. I ate it all. If I were never going to eat any of this again, I would go out in a blaze of glory.

By God’s grace I’ve never felt the need to do that again. I have surrendered my food to God and let him guide me through 12 Halloweens, 12 Thanksgiving, 12 Christmases, 12 birthdays and 4,331 days of living without excess food.

God can do for me what I can never do for my-self: abstain from compulsive eating and enjoy

life. Today I choose God and the abstinence that comes with him.

I’ve never regretted becoming abstinent. Having a normal weight and feeling good is better than any food can ever taste. One day at a time.

Denise H., Ottumwa, IA USA Reprinted from Lifeline Dec ‘08

Holiday Recovery Binge season is here again. It used to be my fa-vorite time of year, when all the holiday goodies came out. How I used to look forward to stuff-ing myself with my favorite treats.

Our brains are funny, aren’t they? The only thing I could remember from year to year was how good my favorite treats tasted. My convenient brain always forgot the misery, pain and weight gain these goodies caused. It made me forget my vows of “I’ll eat just one; I’ll go on a diet tomor-row; I’ll skip supper.”

I could remember only the joy of getting my hands on the goods and snarfing them down. I felt good at the time until all the food and crazy behavior caught up with me. Then I paid the price.

Year after year, I carried on this crazy behavior of bingeing followed by remorse. Only when I reached my top weight, was miserable and hated myself was I willing to do something about the insanity. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I had hit bottom and needed help.

I had heard about Overeaters Anonymous through friends in another Twelve-Step pro-gram. I decided to give it a try. I went to OA for eight months and knew I’d come home. This place was for me. But I was not willing to be ab-stinent through that time and give up my binge

2 Nov/Dec 2015—Out of the Cocoon, a newsletter of Milwaukee Area Intergroup

OA/WSO (World Service Office) General Website

Information

www.oa.org

For all PC, Mac, iPod users, there are free OA podcasts featuring OA speakers at www.oa.org/podcasts/. A podcast is a radio-type show that you can download from the Internet to your computer.

A link also is available at this site to get World Service Office (WSO) information including the quarterly newsletter “A Step Within.” The most recent quarterly newsletter is at www.oa.org/pdfs/asa1stqtr10bw/pdf.

Region 5 Web Site www.region5oa.org

Editorial Policy

“Out of the Cocoon” is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Milwaukee Area Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. We welcome contributions from members that are OA-related. Material cannot be returned, nor can payment be made. All submissions must be signed; names will be withheld upon request. The editors reserve the right to make editorial changes or to refuse any article not meeting the editorial policy. Articles may not appear in the month of submission. Other OA groups may reprint without permission as long as credit is given. The opinions expressed herein are those of the writers, and not of the Intergroup or OA as a whole. (Adapted for Milwaukee Area Intergroup “Cocoon” from Central Ohio “Transformations”) See page 8 for submission information, deadlines and themes.

12th-Step-Within ~~ Available Sponsors and More Sponsors Needed

MAI Information MAI Website www.oamilwaukee.org

Board of Directors Chair Sue W. 414-588-0255

Vice Chair Kim B. 262-220-6804 Secretary Judy W. 414-258-8361 Treasurer Lynn H. 414-281-2066 Region 5 Reps Kim B. 262-220-6804 Lynn H. 414-281-2066 World Service Rep Open Position

MAI Office 7441 W. Greenfield Avenue, Suite 12

West Allis, WI 53214 414-259-0640 Open:

Mondays, 2 p.m.-7 p.m., and Thursdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

MAI News Available Via Email — The OA Blast!

Information about the Milwaukee Area Inter-group can be obtained via email. Please send an email to [email protected] to signup for free semi-monthly mailings of OA information including marathon/special event flyers, this newsletter and other relevant local OA infor-mation for yourself or your OA group. Your email address will never be distributed nor seen by oth-er people receiving the mailings.

MAI Meeting Schedule Third Monday of every month, 6:30-8:00 pm, at Rogers Memorial Hospital 11101 W. Lincoln Avenue, West Allis Everyone is welcome! August 2015 Income/Expense Report

Starting Balance 3,270.96 Total Income 838.89 Total Expense -1,481.87 *NET OPERATING BALANCE 2,067.98

*Does not include scholarships, retreat income, conven-tion income and tax withholdings

The Twelfth-Step-Within Committee was cre-ated to reach out to those in the Fellowship who still suffer and to address the relapse and re-covery of our members. The MAI Twelfth-Step-Within Committee maintains a list of available sponsors, temporary sponsors or first contact people so that newcomers and long-timers can get direction and support right away from a member of the fellowship. Please add your name

and phone number to the list so that you can help another member "Keep Coming Back". It is a great service to the fellowship!

If you need a sponsor, email Carol M at [email protected]

Provide your contact information and any specific needs you have, including the type of sponsor you are seeking (i.e. food, step, late night calls, etc.). Carol will have a sponsor call you.

Nov/Dec 2015—Out of the Cocoon, a newsletter of Milwaukee Area Intergroup 3

Holiday Eating Help I only have part of an article that was in the Cocoon in 2001, but it has helped me each time I read it:

Remember that you are responsible for what you eat. It's easy when sitting with family to slip into old, childish roles where you feel you must eat whatever you are given. It's not true. We are adults responsible for our own choices. It's up to us to take care of ourselves. It is up to us to set whatever boundaries we need to set with our families. Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude. There is nothing as good for staying abstinent, particularly during the holidays, as focusing on the many things we have, rather than what we don't have. Do gratitude lists frequently. For many of us, the most dangerous period for our abstinence is after we have successfully gone through a difficult occasion. The insanity of our disease subconsciously tells us to reward ourselves with food because we did so well yesterday. Some of us feel an emptiness after the holidays that in the past we have filled with food. Plan to go to meetings the day after the holiday. A holiday is not a crisis. Holidays come every year. We deal with the holidays just like we deal with the rest of the days of the year. You can do it. Relax and work your program the way you know how. (Thank you to whoever wrote this long ago.) Clarice

With the holidays coming, meet-ings are a great place to ~

Let Recovery Show By Jane D.

When _______ arrives, the room brightens, as if someone just let in a piece of sunshine. She smiles easily and her whole face lights up. Her cheeks brighten, her eyes twin-kle and, if one of those smiles lands your way, you feel warmed. You feel connected.

And, you wouldn’t have to see her to know she is here; soon you will hear her laugh, a true laugh and a heartfelt laugh. She knows. She’s been there, too, and found her way, here. She didn’t know she was look-ing, and, yet, found her Higher Pow-er and unconditional love, here. Be-coming abstinent, working the 12 Steps, using the Tools and sharing the journey with so many others, she’s created a life far greater than she dreamed for herself.

Newcomers and those struggling with abstinence think “Could I re-ally be like that, too?”

Each day, we are invited to fill-in-the-blank with our own name and participate in re-covery. We are invited to live a life far greater than we dreamed. Entering an OA meeting room opens the door for someone to glimpse re-covery and stay to embrace it.

Together, we can

Let Recovery Show.

Tidbits to Help Us Celebrate!

When we practice gratitude, we can realize we are happy, joyous and free. We are full of life, not stuffed or obsessed with food, thanks to OA.

I’m so glad I can have a fairly normal life, as long as I know that I’m not normal with food.

My disease does not take vacations or observe holidays, therefore, my recovery requires action one

day at a time, every day. —Margaret


Well, That Was Easy! Surrounded by love and sup-port and people who have been doing Intergroup service for years, my term as chair has been an easy ride.

Sure, I had to prepare the agenda each month. Yes, I ran the monthly meetings. Occasionally I made a phone call or two. Once or twice I had to sign my name to an official document, but that was about it!

It was really not that hard. I have enjoyed it. I have learned a lot and made many new friends. Serving on Intergroup has definitely enhanced my program. I hope to continue serving Intergroup, in a different capacity.

Our Policies and Procedures say jobs should be rotated to let others shine and grow. Could it be your turn to shine and grow?

All Board positions are open for October elec-tions. The committee positions will be appoint-ed by the new chairperson. Pleeeeeeease con-sider running for a position.

The Board positions require 1 year of absti-nence with service on a level higher than a meeting. Committees have no requirements.

Just to be clear, some people plan on staying on the job they are doing, but the new chair-person has the right to appoint. And the Board positions are an open election. I know that the Chair, and the Secretary are stepping down. The World Service Position is already vacated.

So there you go! Come join us once a month (3rd Monday.) See how your program can be enhanced. We now have Skype if you don't like the “driving at night” thing. Thank you so much, OA family, for working with me this last year.

Respectfully Submitted, Sue W

WHO SAID?

“God, Please Send Me Someone!”

“God, please send me someone! Wait a minute I'm someone! I got the OA starter kit down from my closet, put an add in the paper and 54 people showed up. We sponsored each oth-er. That was the beginning of long-time com-mitment to OA. Throughout the 40 years, I have learned that I am not a slow learner but instead a fast forgetter. Also, it doesn't mat-ter how much abstinence I have. What counts is today! Today is the only abstinence I need.”

This long-timer has been a part of the OA Milwaukee family for a long time. She has re-covery as her payoff to keep coming back. She also knows it can disappear in a heart-beat. Service has been a lifesaver. As has writing, reading literature, sponsoring and just going to a meeting. Can you guess who it might be?

New Holstein & Plymouth OA Workshop

on Steps 10, 11 and 12

Connie and Faden greeted the almost 30 of us warm-ly with smiles and hugs, setting the tone for our time together on Sept. 26 at the Altona—a perfect meeting place.

There is a special feeling to be with others who deal with food issues, knowing I’m not alone and that I, too, can be successful, one day at a time.

Faden instructed us about how to release a thought or problem using a large bowl of water, something heavy to drop into the water, a dab of Release Oil to be touched on either the heart or mind center, and then to drop a flower petal into the water—a new technique for me to deal with my issues.

Nancy H. blessed us with her OA story primarily dealing with the topic—deal with troubles as quickly as possible rather than living in fear. To me, that’s a sign of recovery. She asked, “Does anything good come out of compulsive eating?” Good question for me to have in the forefront of my thoughts!!!

Tony, a recent transplant from California, spoke on his years in OA and talked about uncovering and dis-covering what it is that might be tempting us to break our abstinence and then discarding it. To hear their stories was not only a gift for me but also a challenge in my future. Thank you.

We broke for a delicious and nutritious lunch. After lunch we divided into five groups. Each of us had three colored slips of paper with a saying for each of Steps 10-12 which we then used as direction for sharing in the small group. Then sharing of our thoughts was done with the larger group.

Intergroup sent materials about upcoming OA events with Sue and each attendee received a gift. I am thankful for the loving day planned and presented by the New Holstein & Plymouth OA. —Nancy L


Good Morning, God

Good Morning, God, You're ushering in an-other day untouched and freshly new. So here I come to ask You, God, if you'll re-new me, too. Forgive my many errors that I made yester-day, and let me walk, dear God, closer in Thy way. But, Father, I am well aware that I cannot make it on my own, so take my hand and hold it tight for I can't walk alone.

LABOR DAY WORKSHOP

The Difference Between:

“Abstinence” and “Plan of Eating”

On Labor Day, this workshop was held at Aurora Psyche Auditorium. We had a nice turnout and, from the feedback we got, people really got a lot from the speakers and the questions that were presented to small discussion groups. These are some of the key points:

Abstinence is the same for all OA members.

Abstinence is refraining from the compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors we engaged in while practicing our disease, such as, overeating, under-eating and purg-ing.

While Abstinence does not differ from one OA member to another, details of the Plan of Eating for each member may vary.

An effective Plan of Eating helps the member stop eating compulsively and move toward or maintain a healthy body weight. To stay stopped requires more than just a Plan of Eating. Working the Twelve Steps and using the Tools of Recovery brings a return to sanity around food and a fuller recovery expe-rience, spiritually and emotionally.

If you missed this workshop, you can check out the information on the oa.org website.

GRATITUDE I was walking and talking with one of my sponsees the other day and I usually say the things I need to hear. What came out of that conversation was a true thankfulness and gratitude for the events that happened in my life that led me to OA. I’ve been in OA six years now and I just started saying at meetings “My name is Kim and I’m a grate-fully recovering compulsive overeater.” I’m grateful that my work cut my hours in half

which led me to feeling worthless and I ended up in counseling.

I’m grateful for my relationship with my now husband as while we were dating my disease be-came very dominating and controlling. I felt com-pletely powerless and desperate and anxiety-filled as the weight reappeared on my body.

I’m grateful for the counselor I got to see for free through the Employee Assistant Program who I went to because I was feeling so worth-less, helpless, depressed because of my work situation. Somehow she brought up my food is-sues (which I was upset about at first) and sug-gested that I attend 6 OA meetings.

I’m grateful that through this series of unfortu-nate events God was taking care of me and led me to the solution to ALL my problems through the program and recovery of OA.

I feel truly Blessed and Grateful to be a compulsive overeater and to be in the solution! - Kim B.

Set Aside Prayer God, please help me set aside everything I think I know about myself, the 12 steps, my spirituality and especially you, God — For a better understanding and an open mind, And a new experience about myself, the 12 Steps, my spirituality and, especially You, God. Thank You, God, for help unknown already on its way. - Anonymous

Two Prayers — Used by an OA Member in Practice of Step 11


PLEA TO GROUPS / TREASURERS

We are self-supporting through our own contributions. MAI funds are less than $68 above our pru-dent reserve. Please take a look at your group finances and make whatever contribution you can at this time.

Did you know MAI provides every group in intergroup with insurance in case of accident at your meet-ing? Then, there are the expenses for the office provided by MAI. Not to mention Workshops, Meet-ing Lists, and materials for Public and Professional Information, etc., etc. Thank you.

- Lynn H, MAI Treasurer

MAI: Intergroup In Action

MAI Poster Campaign

WSO has made available some great posters to provide OA information to the public. MAI has 2 such posters for every group in our intergroup. Your MAI rep can pick them up at the Oct. 19 MAI meeting. 6:30 pm. See back page for location.

VA Hospital Visit — Results are in HP’s Hands

I raised my hand and volunteered! Oh, my! On this occasion, at the MAI meeting, someone mentioned a need for volunteers to visit the VA hospi-tal—not just to visit, but to speak about OA to medical students. I decided it was time to take action instead of shrinking into my usual fantasies about my good in-tentions. Fortunately, I was not alone, as another mem-ber had already volunteered.

When we arrived at the conference room where we were to speak, we found only one medical student, 2 staff members of the department, and several actual veterans. Yes, they were human beings—friendly ones, in fact—who just might need and want OA recovery.

My partner and I were a little disappointed at the lack of doctors-in-training, but that was quickly overridden by the opportunity in front of us to share with poten-tial new members! We were thrilled with the ac-ceptance and interest that poured out after we each shared, then asked for questions. The veterans wanted to start a meeting there at the VA Hospital!

With help from MAI, HP and others, this dream may become reality. If that wasn’t a good day, I don’t know what is! I am thankful to be allowed to be a trusted servant in OA, once again. -Joy M

Where are the Financial Reports, Anyway?

If you have noticed that the Treasurers reports and the MAI meeting minutes are no longer showing up in your E-Blast, you are not alone. This change was announced by E-Blast, but MAI apologizes for any inconvenience.

Because the E-Blasts were becoming too large, MAI asks that your group register a “virtual intergroup repre-sentative.” This person will receive the reports and minutes by email to share with your group.

To register as a virtual intergroup repre-sentative, please send your information to [email protected].

Region 5 Convention

Schaumberg, Illinois

Going to Region 5 Convention is like dipping yourself in love.

Everyone there shares your story. Everyone there has been in your shoes.

Everyone there knows the shame and pain you've been in.

Because of that, there are no strangers.

Because of that, you feel at ease eating and talking with someone you had never met.

There was happiness and laughing and hugging, hugging, and hugging. It is a whole new level of

acceptance, love and recovery!

The recovery in the room splashes everyone with HOPE and PROMISE!

Sue W


Joy of Recovery Fellowship Time Explore Your Creative Self

Do your own craft or join the group project

1-3 pm, DATES/THEMES:

Nov 8 “Buttons”

Dec 13 “Football Frenzy” (below)

WHERE: Usually at Pass It On Club

6229 S. Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee

Questions??? Contact Sue W.

414-588-0255 or [email protected]

$ REFUND POLICY $ for Conventions & Retreats

Registrations are non-refundable, but

they are transferable. This must be cleared with the chairper-

son prior to the event.

Scholarship Money Needed

For 2016 Convention You or your group

can help in two ways:

1. Help support a member from your own meeting directly.

2. Donate directly to MAI Intergroup and specify “for Scholarship Fund”.

(This money will be distributed by the

Convention/Retreat Committees

to those who are applying).

Gift Ideas Give an OA friend or Sponsor(ee) $$ toward an MAI Convention or Retreat OR request this kind of gift for yourself.

2016 Convention - Planning Meetings

You are invited to attend and get involved. Have fun! Give valuable service! Meet others! Enjoy fellowship!

1st Sat of each month at 8:45 am

Usually at Martin Luther Church

Oct 31, 12:30-2:30 pm

Hear TRICKS on good sponsoring

And TREAT yourself and/or your sponsor by reserving 1 or 2 spots.

Athens Restaurant

5547 N. Lovers Lane

(Silver Spring Rd and Hwy 100)

Admission per person: $15

Includes soup, salad bar, drink and tip

Send reservation to MAI Office

7441 W Greenfield Ave #12

West Allis 53214

Questions: Contact Sue W: 414-588-0255

Sponsored by Milwaukee Area Intergroup

Cocoon Submissions Info

Your submissions do not have to be on topic!

Issue Deadline Topic Jan/Feb Nov 24 “How Are You Maintaining?” Mar/Apr Feb 1 TBD Yes, we need and want your articles, poems, news items ! Send to: [email protected] Or Call Joy (414-304-5078) or mail to MAI Office (address on p 2)

Football Frenzy — Dec 13, 1-3 pm

Pass It On Club, address above

Fellowship Fun Tailgate Party

Speaker Auction Contests/Prizes

Bring football “stuff” for auction!


Milwaukee Area Intergroup Calendar

Nov 2015 8 - Joy of Recovery 1-3, see p.7 16 - Intergroup Meeting,6:30* 21 - IDEA Day, see box right 26 - Thanksgiving Marathon, 9-

12, hosted by Waukesha groups, Marion Center, see box rt for addr

Dec 2015 13 - Football Frenzy, 1 -3, see p.7 21 - Intergroup Meeting,6:30* 25 - Christmas Marathon, 9-12,

needs host

Jan 2016 1 - New Years Marathon, 9-12, needs host 10 - Joy of Recovery 1-3, see p.7 18 - Intergroup Meeting,6:30*

PLANNING AHEAD?

2016 56th Annual OA Birthday Party Jan 15-17, Los Angeles. CA

Go to www.oalaig.org.

2016 WSO CONVENTION Sept 1-4, in Boston, MA Go to www.oa.org.

2016 Reg. 5 CONVENTION Sept 16-18, in Detroit, MI

2016 MAI RETREAT Dec 2-4, Siena Center

Regarding Marathons — Please contact the MAI Fellowship Chairs Betsy W. 262-695-4426 or Jill L. 262-549-4452, to volunteer to host a marathon or other event. All events and flyers must be cleared through Intergroup before being publicized. This calendar is updated in every issue of the Cocoon. Please note, complete details may not be available at the time of the Cocoon printing. Check flyers available at meetings for more information .

Holiday Marathons Usually held at

Aurora Psychiatric Hospital, Building #4

1220 Dewey Ave, Wauwatosa, 53213

414-454-6600

*Intergroup meetings

are held at 6:30pm at Rogers Hospital, 11101 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis. These meetings are open to anyone who attends Milwaukee Area OA. Each group needs at least one rep at every meeting to relay information back to the individual meetings.

Nov 21, 2015 — I.D.E.A. DAY *

“A Pocketful of Abstinence” Celebrate Abstinence Build a

Hear a Panel Discussion Pocket

Share Your Thoughts Emergency Kit

Pray the Serenity Prayer with world-wide OA members

Share fellowship with local members

1-3 pm, Marion Center for Nonprofits

Rosary Hall Rm R323, 3211 Lake Dr, St. Francis

Hosted by Wed. Night Relapse & Recovery Group

Sponsored by Milwaukee Area Intergroup

* International Day of Experiencing Abstinence

2016 MAI OA CONVENTION !! “TOGETHER WE CAN!”

Fri thru Sun, March 18-20, 2016 Full Convention Rate $115, Postmark by Mar 1 (includes Sat lunch & dinner) Save $20 with the Early Bird Rate of $95, Postmark by Feb 1

For questions, email: [email protected] or Call: Pat W 414-732-9278 or Mary P 414-335-2690

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

375 S. Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005 For hotel reservation:

Call 262-364-1100, mention MAI OA Convention Or reserve on line — By Mar 1 for discounted rate

*IMPORTANT* UNOFFICIAL POLICY

If you become aware of a death of a local OA member or former member, please send any information (including funeral info) to Mil-

waukee Area Intergroup at:

[email protected]

The info will then be e-mailed to all who have requested the “OA E-Blast”. (See p. 2 to request the OA E-Blast.)

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