"Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities."
The Greater Good. This is the ultimate exercise in humility. Most of us have egos. We have a need to be recognized for our good deeds and hard work. We can't do this. Not in the fellowship. We must let our actions speak for us.
In seeking the accolades we want - we place other alcoholics at risk. Our own recoveries are at best fragile. We are dependent upon our willingness to go to any lengths to stay sober - but not at the expense of others.
The public eye is all - seeing. Not any of us who stumble or falter can escape it. For those who have no foundation in sobriety it can be devastating. Even deadly.
By insuring that we work within the fellowship and not upon the world's stage, can we insure that our fellowship survives.
There are things about other people that I sometimes do not like, and I'm sure the feeling is mutual. But I find for the Greater Good of A. A. and the fellowship, I but resist my urge to go against the conflict of personalities that I sometimes feel with these people.
I have learned the art of compromise. What is the principle that I am trying to achieve? Does it matter how I get there if the way is not immoral, illegal, or at the expense of others? As long as I do no harm, then I must bow to the needs of the group and A. A.
The Promises
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