- In approaching Step 4 after working Steps 1, 2, and 3, I am not able to look inside myself and make a list of things that I find positive and wonderful about myself.
- In approaching Step 4, I am now able to look inside myself and make a list of negative things that I have thought about myself.
- I am now able to look inside myself and see the things that I have done that have hurt others, no matter how small the incident.
- I am now willing to be honest about my attitude--whenever negative thoughts trigger resentments within my spirit.
- I am now able to see the things I have done that have caused other grief, even though it may have been only a small part.
- I am willing to write down a list of positive things about myself.
- I am now willing to be honest and list my shortcomings and character defects.
- I am now willing to make a simple list of things about myself that I consider good and not so good.
- I am willing to acknowledge that working this step will set me free from the obsession of having made bad choices or errors in judgment.
- I can now acknowledge that this inventory is merely a list of things about myself and that I can talk honestly about them and put them behind me as part of my past.
I needed this meeting last night. I had been feeling anxious yesterday. I heard one of the members share last night that her life is filled with contentment and peace. I wasn't filled with that last night and acknowledged my feelings. It felt good to talk about my fears.
And like a miracle, this morning I felt relieved of my anxiety. Maybe it was sharing about what was bothering me. Maybe it was getting the rest that I needed last night. Maybe it was the prayer that I said before sleeping. I'm just grateful to be in a better place today.
i'm grateful too that you're feeling better. the power of a 'secret' is released with you speak. that's what you did, good!
ReplyDeletemy defects ran my life - I so get this!
ReplyDeleteI think you are pretty kewl and often benefit from your sharing! I shared last night at our literature meeting how grateful I am to have a fellowship online that I can go to anytime and realize I am among friends. thanks Syd..
ReplyDeleteNamaste
I really liked this post. Step 4 is the way to freedom, and being able to see ourselves with a kind and loving heart.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you feel peace today and feeling better. I wonder WHY we can't have those days everyday? I guess we are not perfect, releasing to me is a hard step in my life, I keep to much bottled inside, when I can share it feels GOOD.. :}
ReplyDelete"like a miracle"! You have a great, warm way of explaining the program.
ReplyDeleteIt really is like a miracle. I can't explain the peace that I feel when I'm working the program. I do know this: It comes from reaching outside myself. From the groups, the people, the steps, my Higher Power. Glad you're there.
ReplyDeleteCat's comment brought this to my mind
ReplyDelete...I still have certain defects--but they do not run my life any more.
I now know--with your help and God's help--how to say "NO"!
This is not perfection, it is often a momentary struggle--with me, at least.
Hi Syd,
ReplyDeleteLoved your 4th step blog; really enjoyed all the comments, also. But the best one that hit me between the eyes was Steve's statement - - - about how to say NO! (Thanks, Steve - - - I need to practice forming this word a bit better!)
Love and hugs to you all,
Anonymous #1
Step 4 is the cha-ching step.
ReplyDeleteThanks Syd, I like the part about being honest about my attitude.
ReplyDeleteWe don't get to write down a positive list about ourselves in our program, but eventually they start shining through.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post.
you know i didn't want to go to a meeting last week when I was in such an anxious space, and I had the same miracle the next morning, no anxiety. So I continued to call my sponsor and i will be at the meeting tonight. Miracles never cease.
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling of anxiety and wondering how to get back to peace. Prayer is the key for me too. I have been feeling a lot of discontent lately when thinking about spending a lot of time with my in-laws in the near future who use alcohol to celebrate every occasion. I just don't want my son to be around this. My husband understands to a point. I have been praying and asking for peaceful feelings toward them. It comes to me but I have to constantly remind myself to let go of my fear.
ReplyDelete