Endigar 653 ~ Anonymity
From the Daily Reflections of December 30;
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 562)
Tradition Twelve became important early in my sobriety and, along with the Twelve Steps, it continues to be a must in my recovery. I became aware after I joined the Fellowship that I had personality problems, so that when I first heard it, the Tradition’s message was very clear: there exists an immediate way for me to face, with others, my alcoholism and attendant anger, defensiveness, offensiveness. I saw Tradition Twelve as being a great ego-deflator; it relieved my anger and gave me a chance to utilize the principles of the program. All of the Steps, and this particular Tradition, have guided me over decades of continuous sobriety. I am grateful to those who were here when I needed them.
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Focusing on personalities in a group is a divisive pursuit. Trying to become the most popular personality, trying to diminish the most displeasing personality, surrounding myself with the most supportive personalities, all becomes a game that manifests in many forms of “us and them” schisms. For me, this dethroning of the personality game is necessary for group cohesion. This is the power of anonymity. What then shall fill the natural void left so that isolating ego does not return to dominate our safe haven? The way I read this tradition, I look for opportunities to understand and apply the principles of the 12 Steps in all my affairs. We all have this necessary pursuit in common. This simple and agreed upon pursuit helps protect our life-giving union. Principles before personalities.
Daily Reprieve 
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