Tradition 5: Love and Service
Getting sober and helping others do the same is what AA is. The Washingtonians sobered people up but tried to carry too many messages, too many opinions and vanished. AA Groups are made up of many different people who, in many cases, perhaps would not mix if it weren't for the common bond of alcoholism.The one truth we know is that in order to stay sober ourselves we must help the next drunk through the door. Nothing else matters more to our sobriety -- not our religion, our politics, or what we do for a living. The focus of the group can't waiver from our primary purpose or the group comes apart and becomes individuals and their adjendas, then it is no longer there for the newcomer or the members.
If heard it said that the whole program can be boiled down to "Love and Service." not much wiggle room in that.
Maryann
More about Tradition 5
Tradition 5: Carrying the Message
"The primary purpose of any 12 step group is to carry its message and give comfort to others who are still suffering."Old Timers
"Keep filling your own chair and someday there will be an oldtimer at your meeting."Growth
"The fifth Tradition is simple yet covers many aspects of my Al-Anon growth."
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