Today's meeting is based on pg. 139 from Hope For Today:

I never thought that the Traditions applied to anything other than my Al-Anon group. Now I realize they pertain to me as an individual because I'm a member of my family and other groups. Tradition Four, which speaks of groups being autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or Al-Anon or AA as a whole, has been especially meaningful to me. It tells me that I have choices and may make whatever decisions I desire in my best interests, provided those decisions do not harm another person. If I have the God-given right to make my own decisions, then it follows that other people have this same right. Therefore I need to respect their right to choose, free of my interference, judgement, and control.

Peacefully allowing others to make their own decisions can be difficult for me, especially when I think I know best for someone else's life or when I fear that someone's decision will have a negative impact on me. If I ignore this Tradition, the result can range from minor irritation to more serious repercussions, including ruptured relationships. 

Thought for the day:

Tradition Four is about respecting others enough to let them make their own decisions.

"Tradition Four is democracy in action. With it, we can step out into the world well-balanced between freedom and responsibility." Paths to Recovery, p. 166