Self-Sufficient

If we accept “free” gifts from outsiders, or too much from one member, we become less than free ourselves. We may become dependent upon the money being donated and never learn to take responsibility and pay our share. The need to maintain good relations with the donor diverts attention from our primary purpose. ~ The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous (Kindle Locations 1793-1795).

Self-supporting through our own contributions.
What does that say if you were born into poverty,
if your single parent mother relied on assistance,
if your lunch was free, if you received money, food,
clothes, toys, school supplies from the benevolence of others?
Is there a duty to give back as an adult, to make amends
to society? How could you? Through service? Through teaching?
As a first responder? Through generosity towards others?
What if it's offered? What if we have a parent
long after we're adults who rescues us, who gives us gifts,
who treats us  like toddlers, dependent, needing assistance...
and guidance? What does it take to be self-supporting
through our own contributions? Amends? Turning down gifts
of passing them on? The traditions are not just for OA
but for OAers who practice these principles
in all our affairs.