Mary Kate (Lifeboat Meeting)

Mary Kate, member since 2009, identifies as a compulsive overeater and restricter. Mary Kate's share from the old Friday evening Lifeboat Meeting includes the following themes: being a latchkey kid • addict parents • getting teased for being different • alcoholism • learning to check out • eating: "the good-girl addiction" • eating: a way to be an addict without getting in trouble • different relationship with food • food/eating secrets • pretending to get food for others • eating out of the garbage • eating burnt food • sad for having this disease • attending meetings and working a program • the 12 Steps getting us organized • not showing up to life • cleaning up the wreckage of the past • feeling safe in OA • looking for people in OA who have what you want • resentful at needing to eat & having food issues • gift of being an overeater • challenge of showing up to life • arrested development • redefining Higher Power • using the Tools of Recovery • showing up & doing the work to get the gifts