Principle Consideration

When I use anonymity as a Tool, it helps me apply all the other Tools in a way that places “principles before personalities” (Tradition Twelve). Use of this Tool helps me do my service, attend meetings, be a sponsor, respect others’ eating choices, listen on the telephone, keep my writing focused, and read the literature with an open mind. In this way, I access the power of the Steps, free from personal judgments and personality conflicts. Without a daily focus on anonymity, which builds true humility within me, I would be unable to recover, because my own judgment and personality intrude. Using anonymity allows me to use the Twelve Steps and frees me from the need to analyze them.

Remembering always that I am a compulsive eater, no better or worse than any other compulsive eater, keeps me open to the necessity of doing the Steps every moment of my life. I use anonymity by freeing myself of personality and focusing on principle. Personality tells me I am different and should get special consideration from others. Principle tells me that I am here to serve others and they are the ones who require my special consideration. When I can live in service to others, free from the need to serve myself, I can live in abstinence and have a life that is “happy, joyous, and free” (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., p. 133). Doing the Steps frees me from the need to serve myself. Anonymity is the Tool that helps me do the Steps most effectively.

— Anonymous