A Sense of Security

I did not know what to expect when I attended my first international convention. Since I grew up in a chaotic and unpredictable family, I especially appreciated the consistency and reliability I experienced in my S-Anon meeting. My sponsor encouraged me to attend the convention, but I felt anxious about leaving the safe cocoon of my local meeting.  What if there was a guest speaker who distracted me from my recovery, or what if I attended a meeting where someone decided to make changes to the Twelve Steps? I was worried that something might happen that would negatively affect the sense of security and safety I had found in S-Anon. As it turned out, nothing like that occurred, and the convention was a great boost to my recovery.

At the time, I was relatively new in the program and did not yet understand how Tradition Four helps safeguard our fellowship. Now that I am aware of how it helps guide our trusted servants who plan S-Anon events, I can feel more assured that the message of S-Anon will be conveyed clearly. My S-Anon recovery is helping me to participate more fully and even to contribute to the safety and consistency of the program.

Reprinted from S-Anon Twelve Traditions, page 50.