“Tradition Nine defines true fellowship: a group without organization, guided by a loving God, and driven only by the spirit of service.”

– Life with Hope, second edition, page 92

When I first came into MA, I didn’t understand how an organization could function without a leader. The Twelve Traditions seemed boring and irrelevant to help me stay clean and sober another day. Over time, I’ve learned that the Traditions help the group in a way similar to how the Steps help the individual. The Traditions give MA structure so that we can focus on our primary purpose of carrying the message to the marijuana addict who still suffers.

Given that I am an addict learning how to live a clean life, among other addicts, our groups can turn to the Traditions to keep us focused on the positive. MA works because we’re not all sick on the same day. It works because we are all striving to live spiritual lives.

I heard early on that to keep my recovery I needed to give it away. This is the spirit of service. MA works because we welcome the newcomer, and offer the kind of support we received when we came in the rooms. When I share my recovery with a newcomer, I’m reminded of how much I’ve learned since my first day in recovery.

Even if I don’t understand a concept of a Higher Power that governs our group conscience, I’ve seen it work over and over again. MA works because we step in to be of service to each other and the group. I love the reminder that no one person is in charge.

Final thought: Today, I will trust that MA is guided by a loving Higher Power, and that we all step up to be of service to each other to keep it working for the still suffering addict.