When we get together in recovery, we do so for our “mutual aid,” and we guard this single purpose carefully. Our Traditions and Concepts urge us to leave outside issues and affiliations at the door. If we don’t, our meetings could descend into the kind of arguments that don’t help anyone recover.

Outside recovery, we get used to using our opinions or the groups we belong to as markers of our identity, and we may be tempted to bring those to work with us. And maybe that’s not a bad thing—after all, I probably can’t hide certain things about myself for very long. But without meaning to, when I wear my affiliations on my sleeve, I might distract someone else from our common purpose.

Today at work, I will keep the common welfare at the forefront of my mind. I’ll stay out of divisive outside issues when talking to my coworkers, and if I’m tempted to avoid someone who aligns with things I don’t, I will strive for the kind of professional courtesy that makes a workplace run well. I’ll remember that while we’re here, we’re working toward a common goal.