TRADITION ELEVEN (11)

Our Public Relations Policy is based on Attraction Rather Than Promotion, we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level or Press, Radio ,TV and Films   We need Guard with Special Care the Anonymity of all AA Members

Courage to Change  Page 344

I take a personal approach   What this Tradition says to me is that it is my first responsibility in alanon is to learn to keep the focus on myself and to do my level best to live this program one day at a time.

If I am not walking the walk , there is little point in talking the talk.  If I am not demonstrating recovery in my life to the best of my ability  than talking about the program may be nothing more than a substitute to living it.

Todays Quote
Example in not the main Thing in Influencing   Others, It is the Only Thing

Albert Schweitzer

My Share

Here is another great example of the wisdom of these traditions and how well the program understands our disease.  The disease that I developed by living with alcoholism.  I knew it all,  I was always RIGHT.  I knew what everyone should do, I could solve all your problem and I never needed anyone s help because I had all the answers and was perfect.

 I know I would love to go out into the world and shout the praises of Alan on give my recovery as a wonderful example and insist everyone  follow me,   This would take the focus off myself and have me again dancing in the world, trying to impress others and being oh so RIGHT  . In fact that is exactly what I did in my family.    Naturally they wanted nothing to do with recovery, declined my every effort and then my recovery was not too evident!!!!

 I became hostile, controlling, judgmental, critical in fact all my character defects came right out and my tenuous recovery took flight!!!  I believe that is the reason for this beautiful tradition.  We do not represent Alan on.   Alanson speaks for itself and we, as members, who practice the program demonstrate recovery by a change in our actions and attitudes.    Not by talking about it.

 Anonymity is a key word here.    My anonymity and others.    Keep the focus on my inner self and all will be well

Thanks for the opportunity to clarify my thoughts.

Questions Tradition 11

Am I always careful to keep the confidences reposed in me as an Alan on member?

hotrod wrote:

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TRADITION ELEVEN (11)

 

Our Public Relations Policy is based on Attraction Rather Than Promotion, we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level or Press, Radio ,TV and Films   We need Guard with Special Care the Anonymity of all AA Members.

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 Hi, my name is David, a proud member of Alanon.

I think we can come to meetings and do all of the promotion that we like. Alanon is a lifesaver and Its okay to sing its praises. Whenever I share I realise stuff about myself- I am in a safe environment- to try things out, and sometimes to test the issues.

 

In the outside world I believe we should be anonymous, but not invisible. In the middle of my years in Alanon there seemed to be far more "don'ts" than "do's".

I know now that I can talk about my own experience inside of Alanon to other members. Sometimes we can talk amongst ourselves about issues and concerns about Alanon. It is important that Alanon is healthy and can can discuss policy.

But all of this is 'in committee'. These are internal matters, and not for people outside. If there are changes or resolutions the wider Alanon movement makes this public. It appears in our regular literature.

The MIP forums do not represent the official 12 step groups, or so it appears. But they do appear to adhere strongly to the same principals. Beside that any member of any 12 step group is obliged the follow the guidelines.

Being on an online forum must stretch the guidelines a bit. I do try to stay anonymous. I would assume that is anyone out there had any concerns they would be tactful. And they would tackle the issues from the ground up.

This is what we expect from a healthy family. 

 

It is a lovely bright spring morning here in New Zealand. Besides the yardwork and pruning and lawns it is great to be able to do this brain work. To be in touch with the love and peace of the programme is a real treasure.

Thanks Betty,

DavidG.

Thanks David

Always great to hear your insight and learn from your journey