Tradition Four tells me that whenever two or more sex addicts get together to share their experience, strength and hope, there is a meeting. And these meetings are their own meetings and run by themselves. One of the reasons that the meetings run so well is because we run them ourselves which is very different from how we led our lives in our active addictions. I know that I always relied on others to manage my life and to be responsible. Here I can be part of the group and help run it responsibly. I can also see from this Tradition that because each group can remain autonomous each group can create its own formats or vary the format. I like this because it means that there are options for me to attend different kinds of meetings. It also means that because of this group autonomy, and these varying formats, the SAA message can potentially be carried to as many different groups of sex addicts as possible. At the same time, this autonomy tells me that each group can make mistakes. Because our group does not affect other groups we can make decisions that only affect our group. They may not always be the right decision and we may change things as a result, but we can learn from our mistakes. And as long as it does not take us away from our primary purpose, and does not affect SAA as a whole, that is ok. Because, lastly, although each group has its own character, I know from this Tradition, that the group cannot affect SAA as whole. It is still important that the group carry the SAA message and clearly follows the Steps and Traditions of the program. And for that I am grateful. So this Tradition is a great Tradition that allows me to grow in the program and in my recovery to be a responsible person in the group and help run the group and make decisions and mistakes and learn. At the same time this Tradition allows me to learn the Steps and Traditions of the program so that I can continue on my journey of recovery and continue to progress towards a more spiritual life. It is a great Tradition! |
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To me without this tradition this webiste may not have been here, phone meeting would not exist, online chat meetings would not exist, and face to face meetings would be rigid and structured.
The fact that every type of meeting is free flowing in a sense is to me what keeps the meetings fresh every time.
That's the way I see it anyway!
Where else could I go to a meeting a 2:53am, while on vacation... Well without step 4 NOWHERE!!!!!!!!!
However there is a step 4 and there is this website (along with the WONDERFUL Brother who created it), which has allowed me to get caught up.
But I live in a small town, and I LOVE the fact that it only takes TWO to have a meeting! We've had as many as five, but it doesn't matter. The fact that we get together, respect the traditions, share the readings, topics and the promises, and interact with others that have been through the same challenges that we have - what a wonderful thing! What a great way to overcome our character defects, by sharing with non-judgmental people who understand what we are going through! I love being in an autonomous group, and know that the same thing is happening all over the world. That OUR small group is a small drop in the ocean of recovery. Thanks to ALL participants!