I Wasn't Particularly Concerned About the Twelve Traditions

When I first came into AA, I wasn't particularly concerned about the Twelve Traditions.

Let's face it, I was trying to stop throwing up and figure out how to stay sober for the rest of the afternoon. I wasn't sitting there wondering how Tradition Four affected the group. I figured the Traditions were for the old-timers, group officers, and the people who actually enjoyed business meetings. 🤣

Eventually, I began taking commitments, attending those business meetings, and seeing what happens when a room full of alcoholics all believe their idea is the most important one. God forbid any of us admit that somebody else might know what the hell they're talking about.

That's when the Traditions began making sense to me. They keep one personality, one ego, or one loudmouth from taking ownership of the group. They remind us that the meeting doesn't belong to the person with the most sober time, the biggest contribution, or the strongest opinion.

I didn't need to understand every Tradition immediately. I needed to stay sober, show up, clean the ashtrays, fulfill my commitments, and slowly learn that my recovery depended upon the group staying healthy. The Steps helped save this alcoholic, but the Traditions helped make certain there was still a place for me to walk into.