“Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.”
– Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pg. 184

Like all the traditions of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program, Tradition 12, stated above, is practically unchanged and used in every single 12-Step fellowship in existence today. It is, without a doubt, one of the most crucial traditions to the strength and longevity of the fellowship – mainly because of the nature of human beings – especially those afflicted with an addiction.

I don’t think anyone would disagree with the following statements: Human beings are judgmental of others. Human beings are easily hurt by others. Human beings often don’t play well with others. In the case of addicts, these facts are magnified significantly. Therefore, the founders and early members of the AA program put 12 Traditions in place to protect the serenity of the groups and individuals within those groups. Ask any person you know who has been an active member in any 12 Step program, and they will probably tell you that they wish the rest of the world would adhere to these traditions. Why? Because they really work to keep the majority of argumentative and combative natures that are so prevalent in today’s society at bay!

This twelfth tradition is one of my favorites. It has helped me in so many situations in my life – especially those outside of the 12 Step recovery community. My interpretation of this tradition is that anonymity (“the state of being anonymous; lacking individuality, unique character, or distinction,” as defined at dictionary.com – or in my words: I am no better and no worse than any other person walking on this earth) is the spiritual foundation of all the traditions; and therefore, we are to place the principles of the program (willingness, open-mindedness, honesty, etc.) before any personalities that may cross our paths. It is not an easy thing to do, but when I have done it, I have been amazed by the outcome of each situation.

Here’s the thing and there is no way around this: I am never going to like everyone I meet and everyone I meet is not always going to like me. Because of this, there are going to be times in my life when I am presented with a situation that may be uncomfortable or may even be hostile in nature. What this tradition has taught me is that as long as I focus on the principles with which I choose to walk through life – instead of the personality of the person I am dealing with – I will be able to act and react with dignity and respect (for myself and for the other person), no matter what is happening. It really does work, when I can remember to practice it instead of giving in to my anger, resentment, self-centeredness, or self-righteousness.

For today, I pray to You, my all-powerful Creator: As I walk through this day, please remind me of Your Principles and show me what You see when You look at others.