Step Four Al-Anon
- dot saidJul 2, 2006
- dot saidJul 2, 2006
- Vicky R saidJul 5, 2006
Step Four - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
From: Paths to Recovery pg. 38 (copyright 1997, by Al Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Limited use bu express written permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.)
The decision to turn our life and will over to the care of our Higher Power is demonstrated when we follow it up with the action of taking our moral inventory. The word searching has an important impact. This word tells us that it is going to take some research into our past, looking for all the personal issues that are a part of our make up. When we lose our keys, we will search for them until they are found or until we are satisfied that they are gone forever. Similarly our search through our moral chracter must be equally thorough. This is where we begin to learn that it is important to write out this Step. If we need to make a list before grocery shopping, doesn't it seem logical that, in something as important as the personal study of our lives, we keep documentation as well.
Love, Dot
Step Four - Made a fearless and searching moral inventory of ourselves.
Like a lot of others I had agonized over the Third Step - trying over and over to turn my life and my will over to a Higher Power. Then it was pointed out to me that all I had to do was make a decision. After making that decision it was necessary to go on to the action Steps - the first one being the inventory.
Through the process of action comes the ability to actually turn our will and our lives over to our Higher Power.
The inventory was not easy for me. I felt a lot of guilt and shame for some of the things I had done with my life before Al-Anon. But it was worth the effort and helped me see how much I had contributed to the problems in my life and how I had hurt others.
Love in Recovery - Dot
hi Dot , thanks , yes it's important to check out your decisions with the right people where possible . Once I started doing that it became a habit I think , well I try to anyway . Most people find that through being honest with other members in the early stages that their wrongdoings start to look a little more human and that can be such a relief , as long as the process is ongoing ,
From: Paths to Recovery pg. 39 (copyright 1997, by Al Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Limited use bu express written permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.)
' A member of Al-Anon asked why she had to write her Fourth Step if she had discussed all her personal issues with a professional . A longtime member shared that she , too , had considered that , but based on the guidance of her sponsor , she decided to begin writing her thoughts . She said that by writing it out she was able to remove herself from some of the specific situations and see herself more clearly . She stated that she had been intellectually analyzing the Al-Anon programme using the first three Steps , but was now experiencing a new awareness of herself , but also of the many alcoholics in her life '
this quote reminds me of what has been helpful about the programme. Alanon does recommend using professional help where necessary . But the non-professional fellowship in the programme can be freeing and enhance the use of other support through sharing with peers , and with a minimum of advice-giving . And the programme can have a way of getting us out of the analytical thing sometimes which forms a large part of some peoples patterns I think ,
llol Vickyr x
