Garden Girl

4) Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
What does this mean exactly, can anyone translate?

Tamerua

You go back and dig up all the things you were burying under your drinking.

2granddaughters

Your sponsor will be able to explain the Steps to you.

All the best.

Bob R

Taking5

Are you in AA or NA? Do you have a sponsor? The answers are in the book "Alcoholics Anonymous". A sponsor should take you through this.

Ptcapote

I'm starting Step 4 and it is an uncomfortable one. But in a very, very necessary way. However, definitely glad for my sponsor on this one---harder to hide away which would be the tendency. Don't know if you have a sponsor or not but I was told Step 4 is getting into the "meat" of the 12 Steps. I am beginning to see why...

Garden Girl

I have the AA book. I was reading through it, not going to meetings or have a sponsor. I am moving out of state in a month, so I figured I would get started on the homework before finding the teacher... Doesn't make sense now, sometimes I just throw things out to see if I get the answer with out really thinking the whole thing through. It seems like someone on here usually also has a brilliant link or some great personal insight.

fallingtogether

Pent up frustrations, resentments, fears. Everything that u tried to drink or use away. Personally, it was my way back out if the bottle. Never found no answers deep inside a bottle, not like I thought I would, lol step 4 and 5 sealed the deal and allowed me to see things more clearly. Google step 4 worksheets. Helped me a bunch!

artsoul

I think that's a great way to put it (Tamerua)!

I think it really does help to have someone to do the 4th step with (sponsor or even a counselor), especially if you're inclined to get down on yourself. It should be an objective and honest look at ourselves, good and bad.

This may help (it's a discussion thread on step 4 from the 12-step forum):
Step 4 - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

1newcreation

Get the 12 & 12, sit in as quiet comfy place as you can & with pen & pad in hand write evthg that made u drink plus resentments, bitterness, unforgiveness, selfishness & fears that you may have towards others & u'reself
Be as THOROUGH as possible
Probably the toughest step to do but very worth it

Dave42001

Here's a 4th step worksheet.. It's also listed in the big book and 12x12 as mentioned above.. Remember progress not perfection..

http://www.royy.com/step4.pdf

Wishing you the best!!

RDBplus3

Hello Karissaleigh,

These websites helped me get a better understanding of how to work the 4th step. Just click on the blue links to open each website.

Step 4 Audio and Video | the 12 steps
Click the green arrows one at a time and listen to each person share about their 4th step.


AA 4th Step Inventory Guide – Step 4 Instructions | Free Directions | Overcoming Addiction
Read this and fill out the worksheets. They are templates and you will need to use them as a guide and write out the expanded info on a note pad. Your input will not fit in the little boxes! Also, keep this info very private so you can be completely honest with yourself. Sharing comes after you complete this 4th step, at your discretion and your choosing.

Keep on working the Steps, and please keep posting.