You know how some people have no filter for what comes out of their mouth? Left to their own devises, they say the most outrageous things. And sometimes they say mean things.

I have no filter for what I put into my mouth. Left to my own devises (and let’s just say I have no devises of my own), I eat with abandon. And sometimes I eat things that are mean to my body.

A fellow in my 12-step food program called me last night at a perfect moment. She said, “After years in the program, I just realized that if I’m in the program, I’m supposed to be abstinent.”

Incredible. This was exactly what I needed to hear.

So, if I’m supposed to be abstinent and I have no devises of my own, I have to use the tools of the program. I know they work.

This morning I got on my knees and made conscious contact with the G-d of my understanding. I said the Serenity Prayer and Psalm 23.

I took 15 minutes of quiet time. (Soon it will be 30 minutes.)

I called my sponsor on time and committed to make three program calls today.

I’ll have three weighed and measured meals with nothing in between and no flour or sugar.

I’ll write down my food tonight for tomorrow.

I’ll go to three meetings this week.

Today my food will be… for breakfast: 8 oz yogurt, 6 oz strawberries, 2 oz Ezekiel cereal, 1 oz walnuts; for lunch: 4 oz tuna, 4 oz potato, 6 oz sugar snap peas, 8 oz salad, 1 tblsp olive oil, 1 apple; for dinner: 6 oz black beans, 4 oz brown rice, 6 oz kale, 8 oz salad, 1 tblsp olive oil, and 1 banana.

Thank you, G-d. Thank you, Program. Thank you, Fellows.

A Psalm of David

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul;

He guideth me in straight paths for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

For Thou art with me;

Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;

Thou hast anointed my head with oil;

My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.