In the BB, the 12&12, and As Bill Sees It, the reference to inventory and talking and telling others our discovery about ourselves is pretty clear. The old saying “confession is good for the soul” certainly comes to mind. This practice has certainly been a great help to me over the years and still today.
How can I say what a change it has made in my life and my character? It certainly has relieved me of many a burden from both the past and the present. It has contributed so much to my progress in staying sober.
I have a friend and really a co sponsor with whom I share almost everyday. And in turn he does the same with me. This practice has been going on for years now, but it allows us to keep our paths clear. But it’s more than just sharing our inventories. In these discussions we often talk about the Steps, the Traditions, and almost every aspect of this program.
One of those things we often talk about is spirituality. Not that either one of us has any expertise on this subject, but it is definitely something we talk about. After all spirituality is such a big part of this program. It’s what I believe which keeps us sober.
As I write this my mind goes back to the first time I began this practice. It was my Fourth Step and my first Fifth. I was so fearful that first time. I had to pray just to start writing those first words. But the prayer worked. Then I couldn’t wait to tell what I had written, because I was afraid if I waited I would not ever tell. So, I took a deep breath and proceeded. I’m happy I did.
It was a big step in my staying sober.
So tonight I was thinking about this practice of keeping on and sharing my life with others and having them share theirs with me. It’s meant a great deal in my staying current with myself and my higher power. It helps me overcome my mistakes in my daily living. But it’s not all the errors I produce. A lot of good comes out on both sides to encourage me to do better.