Howdy folks, it’s Carlos the Booze-bag, your amigo from Santa Fe, back again to dive into the heart and soul of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Today, let’s take a closer look at the Eleventh Tradition—a guiding principle that speaks to the importance of nurturing our spiritual growth within the fellowship.
The Eleventh Tradition states: “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.” Now, that might sound like a mouthful, but trust me, it’s packed with wisdom.
At its core, the Eleventh Tradition reminds us that AA is not about advertising or self-promotion—it’s about attraction. It’s about living our lives in a way that inspires others to seek the same serenity and sobriety that we’ve found. It’s about embodying the principles of AA in our actions, rather than shouting them from the rooftops.
For me, the Eleventh Tradition is a powerful lesson in humility and authenticity. It’s about being true to ourselves and our values, even when the spotlight is shining brightest. By maintaining personal anonymity, we shift the focus away from ourselves and onto the principles of AA—unity, recovery, and service.
But here’s the beauty of the Eleventh Tradition: it’s not about hiding in the shadows—it’s about shining our light for all to see. By living our lives in accordance with the principles of AA, we become beacons of hope and inspiration for those who are still struggling. It’s through our actions, not our words, that we carry the message of recovery to others.
So, next time you find yourself reflecting on the Eleventh Tradition, remember the importance of nurturing your spiritual growth and leading by example. Let’s continue to embody the principles of AA in our daily lives, and inspire others to seek the same path to serenity and sobriety. Together, we can make a difference.