One primary purpose

TRADITION Five tells us that, “Each group has but one primary purpose - to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.”

Whenever I am at a meeting my primary thought nowadays is, “How can I put the message of AA across to others?” This really is a miracle in itself for me – today, thanks to the Programme, I have the willingness to try and help others without wanting anything in return. Well, without wanting anything more than the warm, happy feeling of being able to help others, anyway. This Tradition also helps and guides me when I chair meetings or do other service. It reminds me that service isn’t about me, that the message is the important part. Maybe at times there are things I want to say or certain ways I want to do things but at the end of the day I need to put across the message of AA, even if I have to occasionally hold my tongue. This in turn helps me to keep my ego in check and make sure I am doing what is best for the group as a whole. Thus, this Tradition really helps to keep me on an even keel and keep being humble so I can do service in any way I can to bring the wonderful message of AA to as many people as possible.

In addition to this, this Tradition keeps me from getting too complacent about my own progress – I may have been in for a few twenty-four hours now but nevertheless the most important thing is passing on the message to the newcomer. I may be doing well at any given point but that isn’t the main point – the point is to help others do well. Am I projecting a good picture of sobriety to others? Am I still willing to keep passing the message on? Am I always working to carry the message? This Tradition asks me these questions and also helps me to answer them as I progress on my own journey of sobriety. I try now to remember that we are all on this journey together and if someone stumbles or looks to be struggling, I can be there to support them just as they will be there for me should I falter.

As always, I am so grateful for this wonderful Programme which has brought us together.
Thank you for keeping me sober.

ROBBIE H, Northampton