From a young age, food was my escape—a source of comfort and control in a chaotic world. Growing up in public housing, with a dysfunctional family and an alcoholic father, I turned to eating as a way to soothe my emotions, hide, and find peace. But as I got older, food stopped working the way it once did. Fear of judgment and feelings of inadequacy began to weigh on me, affecting my relationships, my work, and my sense of self. Health problems like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes loomed over me. Despite my growing fear, my food consumption spiraled out of control. On the brink of losing my job and facing bankruptcy, I hit rock bottom. That’s when, in 2014, I discovered Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). Through FA, I found a lifeline. In less than a year, I went from 316 pounds (143 kg) to 187 pounds (85 kg). But the transformation wasn’t just physical—I regained confidence, improved my financial stability, and adopted a healthier, more balanced outlook on life. I cherish a deep sense of gratitude for my recovery, crediting my journey to the support of my Higher Power and the FA program.