[Neurontin]

Step Four…I always say that this was a gift to myself by myself…While writing this list of events…fears, secrets, relations, and resentments…etc…things that were pressing me in the here and now and of-course the past. I really went through a flood of emotions from anger to sadness…But what I realize is… that its okay to feel again. I wrote…prayed..spoke to my Sponsor and this really was a wonderful experience…I believe that if Im practicing the first 3 Steps I will move and complete my inventory. My decision in Step three shows me that Im moving on with this program…This is the start of me seeing the exact nature of things…Like if I stole…What was behind it…Simple…… FEAR of lacking…or not having enough…This step will help me in the remaining steps 5-9…Its my list of good and bad {moral} facts that can no longer be hidden in the dark. Im ready to expose myself 100%…This is Honesty on a deeper level than step one. My sponsor will help my see how my defects caused much trouble in steps 5-7. I see Courage, Faith, and Honesty as some principles I’m working in this step…I’m ready to share this with God , My sponsor, and of course myself..Now I’m at Step Five……

[madisgram]

so well written, neurontin. once we put on paper our character defects we can realize what we need to change. and then the wonderful cathartic step 5!!!! i felt like when i was baptized...clean and pure, a clear slate to be filled with the changes i strive for and succeed. changes that rid myself from the bondage of self.
often i find people struggle with honesty in step 4 because they are looking at the characteristics they possess that are harmful. it's frightening to some to bare their soul but they do. then there are their assets which are positive of course. i view step four as a way to open the door to a new and improved self. if i didn't define myself how could i change??? i find my daily inventory can correct any harm i've done today also. i almost have a fit til i make amends.
STEP 5 is so wonderfful. we can drop the garbage bag off our back we've been carrying for so long.
i am so happy for you. thank you for sharing your journey towards a wonderful life awaiting you.

[Neurontin]

Very well put Madisgram . Thanks for sharing that. Just a quick note...This is just my experience, strength, and hope to those reading this and Im in no way... know it all on these steps. My hope is that those addicted find a way that works for them and if my sharing on the 12 steps helps them then I am very grateful...Step 12 is about carrying the message that was given to me... ..Ive been through the 12 steps and I use the maintaining steps 10-12...Just like you said...."I almost have a fit till I make amends"...lol... These steps are very simple....for a complex person as myself...Thanks again...Peter

[Neurontin]

The 4th Step is not about beating myself up. I've been doing that for years. Its actually the most loving thing I did for myself, as long as I have a good sponsor. Its not about every bad thing I've done its about good qualities as well. Its mainly about finding out the why I did that....??? Its God given instincts gone crazy. I heard this girl share that after she wrote her 4th step she felt so bad she went and got high. What I did was write little at a time and going through the process that was best for me. Some people do steps 1-5 in rehab. In any case if its to much..put it down. If you recall and incident jot it down so you wont forget. Take it piecemeal if you have to. But its only a suggestion do the steps. You wont regret it. Neurontin

[Neurontin]

Originally Posted by Neurontin

The 4th Step is not about beating myself up. I've been doing that for years. Its actually the most loving thing I did for myself..... Neurontin

Very Very True......