An Unbroken Tradition

 I have opinions about things that keep me in duality: right or wrong, left or right, night or day. It doesn't much matter what I think. Life, in fact, goes on.

In A.A., our Tradition 10 reminds us that we exist outside of personal opinions (“outside issues”). Our focus is on our mission - to share with other alcoholics what keeps me sober today. It makes absolutely no difference what they - or we - think of anything else. Sobriety is ALL.

The early members learned this truth the hard way, by imposing rules, rules, and more rules, all based on prevailing opinions. They had to learn to pare everything down to the essentials: Recovery,  Unity, and Service, as laid out in the 12s: the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts. 

These seem like excellent ideals for living my personal life, but I confess that my opinions get in the way very often. When I make it a point to commune daily with my Higher Power, I find that those ideals are easier to express. I goof up often, but I always get to start again and keep practicing. It’s a journey!

The fact that I’ve been sober for over a decade tells me that this system works. I don’t need to come in and rewrite the basics, rediscover fire, or reinvent the wheel. It’s done. What I do, say, and think today will show up as my actions. 

What a beautiful gift I get to enjoy and honor!

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