Illiberate

thanks Katie. your response was the best yet. I still dont think I believe in the 12 steps, but i do like the idea of a sponsor and helpful people who can understand where your coming from. I still dont think they have it in australia but ill have a look now. Thanks, Bec

Yeah, maybe it isnt the place for me. Im not saying that on my own determination and will power are enough, or i wouldnt need to reach out to others for guidance. Im just saying that I would like to find a place where i get help from other people who have been through similar, rather than focusing on some being or drug above us all. i believe in the power of people and friendship and support. not the power of becoming addicted to being saved by something. if we are in "gods image" and god is a savior, surely the logic goes that we need to save ourselves?

I think thats the part that doesnt feel right for me "A Power Greater Than Ourselves". I really do want aid from likeminded individuals and support, but i dont think anything or anyone is greater than the other. I would like to own the issues in my life, and realise that many of them are habits formed out of tough years, but also that i as a person created them, and that only i as a person can change them. i dont think palming these issues off on some higher power is useful, nor im sure do any of the people that go to these things really ever able to get "someone else to do the work' kinda thing. i think it takes perserverance, will and determination, and a few very helpful supportive people....am i alone in this thinking?

im in sydney, pre op.

This is the only thing ive seen around (and not even in australia thus far) for food addiction, or addictive behaviours (planning next meal way in advance, spending too much on food, emotional eating etc) but i really dislike the 12 steps and have massive problems with it. 1. i dont know if i believe in god, and if i do then he or she cares more about training bees to make honey then my fat. 2. i dont like the idea of not owning my shortcomings. if i am not in control of the fact i overeat and emotionally eat, how can i possibly change it? 3. i just would love somewhere that supports and shares on how best to overcome these eating issues rationally and logically? do these kinds of things exist? do i need to just find a helpful counsellor? ~Illi

i have many issues with over eating, and i think it could be an addictive behaviour (i have other addictions but have now moved through them). is there some look at eating as an addiction without neccesarily using god or religion as a path? I feel these answers may help others but are unhelpful to me. thanks, Illi