Blinded by Opinions
IN my drinking days, I had an opinion about everything, I would go on and on like I knew what I was talking about – I was painful to be around. Someone very close to me said, “Please stop going on like a burst pipe.” Did it stop me? No. I felt so entitled to tell you what I thought of everything even if you didn’t ask. I caused a lot of harm. I would endorse causes that I knew nothing about and was blind to see how I was separating myself from society, and I became dangerously isolated.
My pride, ego and denial kept my vision very narrow, and a warped perspective was the only one that mattered. Projection was a term I wasn’t familiar with, and I was learning how I saw things wasn’t the only way, and my state of mind could determine what I saw…! My first sponsor advised me to actively listen and not ‘select’ what I listened to. It was suggested that my opinion should be kept to myself and if I had experience on something then it was okay to share it, but to be careful not to give the impression that I am stating AA’s opinion. We don’t want to give AA critics ammunition!
Tradition Ten helps us concentrate on our common purpose to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. It reminds me to listen, stop myself if I am in defect and focus on what keeps me connected to my Fellows. I am so grateful my sponsor took the time to go through the Traditions with me, my understanding of what they mean expands as I grow in the Programme. Anyone reading this who hasn’t studied the Traditions, I really encourage you to. It will help your relationship with others and keep you healthy in the Programme. As a result of AA and God, I live a life beyond my wildest dreams.
ALEX
