If I wrote a List Of Shameful Things I've Done, you'd probably have to commit me to an asylum........
I prefer the 4th step, as written in the big book, with the guidance of someone who has had a spiritual awakening as a result of working the 12 steps of recovery, or program of recovery.
The relief and freedom are real, step 3 came alive (it says we came to believe) as a result of working the steps.
I had a choice, work the steps or die a slow and painful alcoholic death.
Spiritual way of life or death?
I had no higher power when I began those steps, I had a willingness to believe and a willingness to believe in the steps.
I worked with my sponsor on step 5, because she had done one. Most of step 5 was her telling me about her 4th step and other things in life; we noted my patterns of behavior, we continued talking, a discourse.
She never saw what I wrote. I barely knew this woman. Trust? I couldn't trust me, how could I trust another? I had faith in the steps and in the process and I did it.
I have the utmost trust in this person today.
I am also forever grateful she was put in my life.
For me, the action was most important. Thoroughness and honesty. A mutual discussion.