Enough

Looking up the definition of a word in the dictionary, is most important for me as it forces me to actually find out what a word means instead of what I think it should mean. The definition of the word “enough” in my dictionary states, enough means “occurring in such quantity, quality, or scope as to fully meet demands, needs, or expectations.”

As a compulsive overeater with an addictive personality, this is a bit of problem with the newfound definition of enough, for it forces me to really look at what is enough. With certain foods, there never seemed to be enough occurring in such quantity or quality as to fully meet my demands, needs, or expectations. If one was good, then a dozen (well, maybe a box, or hell, how about a crate?) might fit the criteria for the quantity, but as for quality, that was not of major importance to me…I just wanted more and more which never did seem to be enough. As I have been working with a plan of eating for many years, many of the cravings for certain foods have disappeared and I no longer have the “enough” syndrome for them.

However, as I have matured emotionally and spiritually, there are times I don’t think I have enough of the qualities of patience, understanding, kindness, generosity, nor are those attributes in the quantities which seem to be enough. I sit in judgment of my spiritual essence as not enough either. It is true, I never seem to have enough, for I always want more. And the term “expectations” in the definition for the word enough can really set me up for a physical, emotional, and/or spiritual binge…all because I don’t think I have enough of what I want, not necessarily what I truly need.

So, it does beg to ask the question:”Do I ever have enough?” The answer is a resounding “Yes!” But, I must step back from my selfish, self-seeking, and self-centered manner of looking at things and allow my Higher Power to show me just how much I have. And once I do that my fellow members…that truly is enough!!!!

…Contributed by a long time OA member

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