Hi everyone. I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Norinne and I'm a recovering compulsive overeater. My sponsor has been telling me for several years she thought I could help others and that God has a plan for me - so I thought I would start this blog to see where it goes. Who knows? I'll leave it up to my Higher Power!

To give you some of my history, I've been in 12 Step programs since 1985. I came in to lose weight because I was 100 lbs. overweight and miserable. Also, I'm diabetic and insulin wasn't working. When I started, I did what I was told and ultimately, was able to get abstinent and lose the weight.

I still wasn't happy. In working my program, I felt like a "dog chasing it's tail." Meaning, I used the tools, was abstinent, worked with my sponsor, weighed and measured my food, yet something was missing. I still felt a big black empty hole inside of me.

So I would work harder. I became more rigid with my program and my food - I went to more meetings, made more phone calls, and wrote more. I looked at my food and asked, "Is there something I'm not doing right? Is there something I'm eating that is setting me up or triggering me? Do I need to delete anything from my food plan?" Then I did whatever my sponsor and I came up with. I always had to have a plan of action. Sitting still was not OK.

Ultimately, I went into an emotional relapse and knew if I didn't do something about it, I would relapse with my food. But I still didn't know how to change what was happening. I continued to talk about it with my sponsor, on the phone with anyone who would listen and in the meetings when I shared. (Notice it was all about me.)

Then my Higher Power had someone call me. She asked me to listen to her answers for some questions she was writing on. What I heard changed my life. Her answers were the most spiritual responses I had ever heard! They helped me to realize what I thought I was doing for a spiritual program was really nothing - zilch - zippo! I had only been playing lip service. It also made me realize I wanted what she had.

I've been on an incredibly exciting adventure ever since and would like to invite you on this journey with me. Welcome to YOU TOO CAN HAVE RECOVERY!

Norinne M.