There was a recent thread where a newcomer had come to this MIP site to ask about an alcoholic symptom a "friend" is apparently exhibiting.  I saw it and believed it belonged in the appropriate room of AA because we don't keep focus on the alcoholic in Al-Anon.

....yet I recalled my own need to understand the disease I am affected by.   

In the thread, you may have noticed as I did, one of our moderators was generous and kind in attempting to be of service and offer help.  She was then criticized, with no appreciation from the original poster. 

My brain observing... observing... observing... yet another arrogant, narcissistic, selfish, self-seeking, dishonest, fearful energy in the world!!!  

It quickly registered that had I not come across the suggestions and guidance of Al-anon, it would be something I would have done too.  Indeed, I can admit today that I have been that energy,  and without the grace of God, will become again. 

My brain also observed and enjoyed the energies of our moderator, with feet firmly planted inside her hula hoop, as we say.... where ripples of peace emanate from her quietude... and vibrating through her fingers all the way to my computer screen where recognition of the Higher Power brought a smile within my heart, and then to my face.

I marvel how she did not react, "You dunce, do you know who who I am??!!  I've been in this program xx number of years (a breach of anonymity) and did not say, "I am an old-timer...  I have sponsored xx number of people..."  

Nope. No need to prove anything.  Water simply flows around the steady rock in the stream.   I observed no need to justify, argue, defend or explain (also known as "getting hooked")  when you're thoroughly enjoying a relationship with Higher Power who "is" peace, why bother?

Our tradition states, "Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles above personalities."  I thought of this beloved tradition as I followed this thread, seeing myself in BOTH energies and feeling grateful I was taught to identify rather than compare... because it brings me more peace in feeling connected.   and I treasure the idea that the authors of our traditions must have known this.  

My heart is bursting with joy in the realization that we will "win" eventually.  Hugs to (((all)))