October 25 Principles before personalities
"Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us
to place principles before personalities."
Twelfth Tradition
"Principles before personalities." Many of us chant these words along with the
reader whenever the Twelve Traditions are read. The fact that these words have
become a cliche of sorts doesn't make them any less important, either in service
or in our lives. These words are an affirmation: "We listen to our conscience
and do what's right, no matter who's involved:' And that principle serves as one
of the cornerstones of recovery as well as our traditions.
What does "principles before personalities" really mean? It means we practice
honesty, humility, compassion, tolerance, and patience with everyone, whether we
like them or not. Putting principles before personalities teaches us to treat
everyone equally. The Twelfth Step asks us to apply principles in all our
affairs; the Twelfth Tradition suggests we apply them to our relations with
everyone.
Practicing principles doesn't stop with our friends or when we leave a meeting.
It's for every day, for everyone... in all areas of our lives.
Just for today: I will listen to my conscience and do what's right. My focus
will be on principles, not on people's personalities.
pg. 311
Reading this helped me with my response to Torn, so thanks kerrbear.
