Big Payout

Years have passed since I visited Atlantic City, but the memory of that day is still vivid in my mind. I had taken a bus tour for a day trip when the city first opened casinos along its infamous boardwalk. Having never been to a casino before, I was full of wonder and anticipation. I remember the rush of excitement as I inserted a single coin into the slot machine, pulled the lever, and watched as the winning symbols fell into place in the little window. Wow!

The machine sounded beep-beep-beep as my small payout jangled into the metal tray below. A fun moment for sure. But what stayed with me the most were the words that the gambler next to me said as I collected my modest winnings. “You should have put in five coins! The bigger the bet, the bigger the payout!”

Sound familiar? It does to me. It’s similar to what I’ve learned in my recovery from food addiction. The more I put into FA, the more I get out of it.

I struggled with food addiction for years, feeling hopeless and trapped, trying everything I could to break free from its grip. Nothing worked until I discovered FA. At last, I had a glimmer of hope through a structured approach that focused on building a community of support and following a proven step-by-step regimen designed to stop addictive eating.

At first, I was skeptical. I’d tried so many other programs and they had all failed. However, something about FA felt different. Maybe it was the people who were so warm and welcoming, who seemed genuinely invested in helping me recover. Or maybe it was the structure of the program, which provided a clear roadmap to wellness. Whatever it was, I knew I needed to give it a try. So, I began.

I attended meetings, got a sponsor, and started working the program. It wasn’t easy, but I found that the more I invested in my recovery, the easier it became. I saw progress right away. My cravings became less intense, and I was able to resist temptation more easily. I started to feel more in control of my life and my choices. As I continued to invest fully in my recovery, I experienced a sense of peace and freedom I’d never known before.

Looking back on that day in the casino, I’m reminded of these words from our FA meeting format, read aloud at every meeting, “Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.” To me, the word “thoroughly” encourages me to put as much of myself into my recovery as I can. My experience shows me it’s a good bet. With genuine effort and faith in a power greater than myself, I can’t lose! The odds are very much in my favor.

So, I continue to invest in my recovery. I attend meetings regularly, and I follow the step-by-step regimen laid out for me. I find new ways to stay connected to the warm and welcoming people who have become my community of support.

The payout? I have a new sense of purpose and meaning, a deeper connection to myself and those around me, and a newfound appreciation for the power of investing fully in the things that matter most. I’ve never been much of a gambler, but I’m so glad I went “all in’’ with FA. To this day, I continue to grow, heal, and reap the rewards that come with my investment. For that, I will always be grateful.