Tradition of the Month - Tradition Twelve

[bluidkiti]

"Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities."

[Carol87]

If I practice this tradition as written, I do fine .... but when I rewrite it to say "personalities before principles" my serenity is non-existent!!? ?:( :)

[joyroadman]

self scrafice,the underlying principle of these traditions

they show me how I am to act in AA and life
tks

[kremjk]

I like the Long Form of the Traditions found in the back of the Big Book.

12.- And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of anonymity has an immense spiritual significance. It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility. This to the end that our great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all.

[saved1]

Which horseman leads your white horse? :D
http://www.barefootsworld.net/aatraditionchecklist.html#t2

[MajestyJo]

I do fine .... but when I rewrite it to say "personalities before principles" my serenity is non-existent! Posted by Carol

When I was the Inter-Group Rep for my group, they tried to pass a motion that had been vetoed and turned down by the groups, rewritten and put on the floor again, and I called them on it. They called a recess, a first time thing and took the motion off the floor. Another time at smoke break, I heard the Chairperson and one of the committee members say, "Remember when we go back in there, it is personalities before principles." It was then I realized I wasn't cut out for Intergroup and General Service Rep, because it was a big trigger for me. They reminded me of the politics and game playing of my ex-boss who was a real shyster. There was a part of me who wanted to set them all straight and keep them on the narrow path, but just didn't have the interest or the inclination to play the game. I felt much more comfortable working with the newcomers, rathat than with the ones who thought they knew it all.

I love the traditions. They help and guide me in living my recovery outside of the rooms.