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"Though our decision was a vital and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face, and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us."

"Therefore, we started on a personal inventory."

"Resentment is the "number one" offender. It destroys more alcoholics than anything else."

Alcoholics Anonymous
How It Works
Page 64

By the time I got to the 4th Step, I had already read ahead and knew that the next step was to tell all the garbage of my life to another person -- and that terrified me. I was never one to confess my actions. My instincts were to lie, deny, and cover-up. But that was getting ahead of the process and besides, I certainly had a lot to write about. So, I took the challenge and began to list everyone I ever hurt and everyone I resented. I detailed all the things I had done for which I was ashamed.

It took me several days, but I got it all down. I tried my best to be honest and thorough. If I had held on to any doubt prior to this Step, it was then abundantly clear that alcohol had taken control of my life. I felt regret over the pain that I had caused so many people and at the same time I was happier than I had been in a long time. The process gave me hope that I would finally deal with the secrets that had kept me drinking for years.

It's a good idea to have a sponsor or, at least, a good 4th Step guide to help lay out a plan to take personal inventory, especially the first time.



A great companion book for 4th Step preparation:
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
AA Services

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