She learned how the Traditions keep the group healthy and unified. 

When I started my recovery journey, my original home group met seven days a week, and we studied a Tradition every Wednesday. As my sponsor recommended that I go to the meeting every day, regardless of the topic, I was always there.

Some of the long-time members would speak about their experience, strength, and hope with whatever Tradition we were studying. I always enjoyed what they had to say. There is a lot to learn from the traditions, and sponsors who pass along their knowledge are priceless.

As I finished the Steps, my sponsor started giving me books to read that were about the history of the AA fellowship. That’s where the Traditions were born. I read fascinating stories that I’m very grateful to have access to. 

Unity in our group is truly imperative. When I joined my group, I was deciding to let them know me because I knew my old friend, isolation, wasn’t going to keep me sober. I joined in part because the group has monthly business meetings where we discuss any topics that come up and stay informed about what’s going on in the Fellowship as a whole. We do not have to be in agreement on every topic on all levels in order to be united for one purpose. We are there because we want our group to stay healthy. A group’s unity is only possible when the individual members make themselves available. 

In my home group, every morning, we have a couple of minutes before the meeting starts where we all raise our coffee cups and welcome in the day. Many of us come to the meeting seven days a week. We learn little tidbits about each other if we come a little early and stay a little late. A few of us tell jokes. Those of us who attend our business meeting every month honestly feel like brothers and sisters trudging the Road of Happy Destiny together.

None of us has any authority over the others or over the group. Our group officers provide reports that we have to vote to accept. They do not govern us at all. I honestly believe that’s part of why we are so well united.

There is one ultimate authority. I’ve always enjoyed the fact that individual members may define that ultimate authority in many ways. However, as a group, we understand that it’s not important how one defines the Power; it only matters that they rely upon it. In my group, we are definitely people who would not normally mix. We grow in respect for each other as we get along, even when our opinions do not match. We are able to be kind to one another anyway. I believe that is part of that ultimate authority working inside of us. I don’t have any power in the group, but I have a voice that matters. This is paramount to my being a part of our fellowship. For the first time, I do not have to be the boss of the applesauce in order to be heard. I can simply raise my hand and speak when called upon. We may or may not agree with what the other has said, but we listen with respect. It is a fantastic tool for learning how to have healthy exchanges with anyone I need to discuss things with. I’m learning how to be just one of the people in the conversation. It’s a miracle.

Love and tolerance is our code. We stick together because we have a manner of living that works for us. I highly recommend everyone get involved with a group. It’s absolutely a grand adventure staying involved even when they don’t agree with me. My value in the group is unchanged. I get to grow up. That’s another miracle.