Name: HV (This application has been translated using AI (Artificial intelligence) as it was submitted in the member’s native language
Years in OA: 4
Brief account of your OA story: I am 68. Most of my life was all about me, and I never did well enough. All my frustrations I pushed away with my addiction. I was ashamed and blamed for everything.
At 63, on the outside, I had my life well in order. Many of the traumas I had suffered in my childhood I had been able to cope with with the help of good therapists… And yet, I was deeper into my eating addiction than ever before.
I am grateful that I finally found my way to OA, got fantastic counselling from my sponsor, got incredible support from all my fellows, and got my abstinence, which finally made the eternal fog in my head go away and gave me the space to work on the steps.
Service is not a choice for me. It helps me stay in recovery. By doing service, I learn every day that I am part of a big picture, that life doesn’t revolve around me, and that I get to participate. I may contribute my little piece.
Summary of your OA Service (including service beyond the Group level):
I was the secretary at the group level, helping set up the meeting room. In the virtual meetings, I helped implement Zoom and was a moderator in both Dutch and international meetings.
I have been treasurer and Zoom coordinator for our Zoom meetings for almost two years. This function ends in December.
I was treasurer of our IG for 1.5 years and have been in charge of literature sales for 1.5 years.
I help validate translated literature.
Business and/or professional skills or other experience/skills that you can bring to the Board:
In my professional life, I taught young people aged 16 and above. I am used to dealing with many people and respecting them.
I am used to speaking in front of large groups.
I am willing to keep learning all the time.
Why do you want to be a WSBC delegate?:
I am impressed by the important work being done in R9. We are connected regardless of our origins, and we have the opportunity to learn from each other how to spread the message of our recovery.
I want to do my bit and learn.