OUR COMMON WELFARE COMES FIRST
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for January 31.
The principle of 'our common welfare comes first' reminds us that recovery is not a solo journey. In the Big Book, we read that 'practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics' [Page 89]. Our individual sobriety depends on the health of the fellowship. When we put the group's unity ahead of our own wants, we protect the very thing that saved us. The Traditions, found in the back of the Big Book, state this clearly: 'Each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is but a small part of a great whole. A.A. must continue to live or most of us will surely die' [Page 563]. So taking time for a newcomer, attending meetings even when tired, or setting aside personal grievances for the sake of harmony—these are not burdens; they are the very actions that keep us sober. We stay recovered by giving away what we've been given.
In what ways has putting the common welfare first—even when inconvenient—strengthened your own recovery?
Start each day with Einstein's Big Book perspective — a quiet moment before the world gets loud.
This is Recovery Einstein's original Big Book perspective on the day's theme — not the official AA Daily Reflections text. For the official reflection, follow the aa.org link above. Page references are to Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), 4th Edition.
Quick answers
What is the AA Daily Reflection for January 31?
The theme for January 31 is “Our Common Welfare Comes First.” The principle of 'our common welfare comes first' reminds us that recovery is not a solo journey.
In what ways has putting the common welfare first—even when inconvenient—strengthened your own recovery?
So taking time for a newcomer, attending meetings even when tired, or setting aside personal grievances for the sake of harmony—these are not burdens; they are the very actions that keep us sober. We stay recovered by giving away what we've been given. (Big Book: Chapter 7 (Working With Others), pages 89-103, and Appendix I (The AA Traditions), pages 563-566)