Equality in Need

After years in Al-Anon, I can fall into the trap of thinking I should be 'past' certain struggles. I feel ashamed if I need a meeting just as bad as a newcomer. I might hesitate to share my pain because I'm supposed to be a sponsor, a leader, a veteran. This pride isolates me.

Tradition Eleven and the concept of equality remind me that time in the program does not cure me of being human. The person with twenty years needs help just as much as the person with twenty days. We are all on the same level. The disease is doing pushups in the parking lot for all of us. Admitting I need help, regardless of my 'rank' or time, is the ultimate form of humility. It keeps me green and growing. It gives others permission to be real. I am never too wise to ask for a hand to hold.

I can reach out to a newcomer or a member with less time than me and share a current struggle I am having. I will show them that recovery isn't a destination where problems cease, but a way of walking through them together.