2 of 12: A Dozen Days of Twelve Step Concepts

This is the second in a series, exploring what place a set of twelve steps to recovery used by countless folks might have in the Wellness Script we craft for ourselves.  For Scribes seeing this post first, please refer to the post, 1 of 12:  A Dozen Days of Twelve Step Concepts, to begin with a bit more context and links to resources.

Now, where were we?

Step Two, "Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity," conceivably, to a life managed well, sounds far more promising toward promoting wellness than Step One did for me.  As you likely noticed in the first post of this series, my stubbornness insisted upon hope by the end.  That's just swell, I figure, as it is an acceptance of who/what I am and that I'm apt to remain obstinately optimistic.

The key, according to Bill B, author of a 1981 interpretation of the original Twelve Steps for the purposes of recovery for compulsive overeating, is willingness to believe.  It seems prevalent in those of us whose food/body relationships have been perilous that we are willing to call ourselves crazy, out of control, or even hopeless; yet it is rare for us to entertain the notion that our perceived insanity might be remedied outside of our striving.  This notion is just what Step Two seems to declare, however, and that the restoration of sanity is delivered by a Power greater than ourselves.

It strikes me, as I consider this initially, that Step One speaks of the compulsive overeater's powerlessness, and Step Two promises that a Power is the answer.  I'm a believer in Jesus, and that's been no secret here on this free forum.  He is my Power, my Source, my Redeemer; and I am all that I am because He is who the Bible says He is.  If your faith background differs from mine, that is yours to have.  I fought for freedom's sake during my military career; and paramount of the freedoms I hold dear is the freedom to believe and practice as one's own heart and history lead them, so long as it does no harm to others.  

Image source:  https://www.biblejournal.net/2019/03/05/restoration-from-despair

The contention that the Object of one's worship and devotion could restore sanity is one I'm inclined to support.  I have been restored in every way by my Savior; and I believe He is all-knowing, ever-present, and absolutely-sovereign.  That means to me that, on a cellular level, a cognitive level, an emotional level, a social level, a spiritual level, and even on a behavioral level, I can trust God to lead me and to provide all I need for a life of wellness in every regard (2 Peter 1:3).

So, what is this "sanity" in context of Bill B's Compulsive Overeater?   He states,

"To me, sanity is being able to live my life and enjoy it without having to worry about food or people or situations, without worrying about things or letting things out there control me.  Sanity means eating in a normal way - not through discipline but through accepting myself as I am."

Jotting with Johnna:

• How would you describe your relationship with food and body image?
• Do you relate to the idea your eating behaviors constitute insanity?
• What resources might help you believe a Power greater than yourself could restore your sanity?

Remember:
You are so very worthy to believe that Someone who knows you intimately and whose power is limitless can and is willing to restore whatever has been broken in your life.

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.