RULE  #62

       the

APRIL  2008

Volume 3   Issue 4

Making the same mistake over and over–

expecting different results-  that’s insanity.  Making a mistake, feeling the pain, and not making the mistake again– that’s learning the

hard way.  Learning from the mistakes of others– that’s wisdom!  To me it appears that Tradition Four  is about wisdom. 

     Sure, Tradition Four says that you have a right to be wrong.  AA’s steps, traditions, literature, guidelines, etc. are all just suggestions.  None of them carry the weight of canon law or dogma.  No one is going to take you to jail if you don’t follow them (with the possible exception of Step 1).  But, why learn the hard way?  Alcoholics Anonymous has experience, strength, and hope for the recovering individual and for the homegroup, service committee, or celebration planning team.  All you have to do is go to www.aa.org, click on “services for members” and you will discover a wealth of useful information on everything from conducting a beginner’s meeting, to working  with professionals, or throwing a celebration.  It’s free, it’s proven effective, it’s the smart choice.

     Still, sometimes a group just has to try something new.  Occasionally new ideas and methods work wonders.  When that happens we have a responsibility to share that information with AA as a whole.  That’s why it is so important for each group to participate in the service structure.  Just remember Rule # 62 when trying something new- “Don’t take yourself too damn seriously.”

 Do I insist that there are only a few right ways of doing things in AA?