One of the “obstacles” in our staying sober revolves around the 4th Step. Or so it seems, when I hear others, who request a meeting on this Step.
My guess on this is one of trust. Fear of being open and what others might think. I know, even though I did this step early on, that I had such fears. The driving point for me was fear of taking a drink. I was so overwhelmed with guilt and remorse that I had to move on. I know a few others, who told me the same thing.
It’s obvious from the evidence from others I have seen that this Step and the one that follows, the 5th, that it’s definitely a key in staying sober. For one thing, these Steps are really the ones, which allow us to feel part of the program for the first time.
These Steps are also the platform, which launches us off into the rest of the Steps and the spiritual awakening, the restoration to sanity, and for most of us a position of neutrality to alcohol.
The best thing about these Steps for me I discovered, was that I didn’t have to worry about doing them perfectly. I know I worried about that at the time I was doing them, but I was told to forget that and just do the best I could. Later I learned that each time something I forgot or left out could be 5th stepped anytime the occasion came up. And I have. I’m still finding things out I forgot.
But, as I said, they were the launching pad for the rest of the Steps. Having gotten past these it made it easier for me to proceed. And the results are obvious. I’m still sober. Also grateful to all those who were there to help me along the way. And grateful to my higher power, who has helped me along the way in spite of myself.
I had to think about this tonight. It’s been an “AA” day with a lot of people from the program and a reminder of today’s subject, which was so important to me.