More On Step Four

To continue, Step four is crucial for the development of A New Life of Happiness and Freedom, As the step Suggests -- To Be Searching and Fearless, We discussed the Fearlessness in the previous post, The Need for courage to be searching, The aspect of courage is not necessarily without some trepidation or fear it is facing the fear and doing it anyway. As previously discussed in earlier post . If you have followed the previously outlined path , then You have done a thorough Step 1, 2, and 3 As well as cultivated a support system, then when used you will have the courage, strength, and support to fully face this step.

The aspect of searching is to clear all the demons that have resided in our subconscious and inner being, where the fear, the self doubts, the low self esteem, the shame, the guilt, the lies we believed all reside. These Lies Need to be faced and let go, As these are the things that keep us mired in a life of darkness. These lies and half truths govern our thinking patterns and RULE our decision making. It is imperative to take control of this area of our thinking, to face the demons, the self imposed prisons, Destroy the demons and lies and half truths. We must face the truths of ourselves, not the imagined ones we have from half truths lies and fears. To see that we are just A Child of God who has been misguided. As well as see who we truly are for to work on anything we need to see how it truly operates. We need to see ourselves not the the Lies we believed.

Another important aspect of this step is the need to be IMMEDIATELY followed by a complete Step Five. I would strongly suggest that prior to beginning the work of step four . That you set up an appointment for a Step Five 2-3 weeks at most . To empty, rid yourself of the negativity the you will dredge up. Step Five may be done with your Sponsor, A doctor, A Minister, Priest Rabbi. Some people feel more inclined to use a "professional secret Keeper" for their first step five as they is still have trepidation. This is actually not a bad Idea, it helps in doing a thorough Step five and ridding all the negative, otherwise their is the tendency to hold a little back , which can be self defeating.

As for how to do Step Four---- The A.A. Big Book has specific instructions on how to do a step four, As well N.A. has a specific work book on how to specifically do Step Four, Most all 12 Step Programs have A work sheet and/or instructions on their perspective aspects of each individual fellowships. Their is also the much used Novelco series. I suggest you consult your support system to ask how they did their step fours. If needed you may use the above email and contact me for more specific direction and/or step four guide.

REMEMBER GOD DOES NOT CREATE GARBAGE

Moving On

The last time we spoke , I emphasized the need to ensure that , you had created a support system and reviewed your work in the first three steps .

The reasoning behind this is where and what we are about to do. In Step Three, we began the actions to a new life, we now approach Step Four, In which we launch into a vigorous course of action. In this step we will be called upon to " Make a Searching and Fearless Moral Inventory of Ourselves". Notice That the Step itself says "Fearless" and any experienced person in your support system will tell you you have nothing to fear. If you have done an honest and thorough job on your previous three steps, there is nothing at all to fear.

However with all these words of encouragement and all the assurances of our support system and peers. Even so I'm sure like most of us there is still some hesitation, anxiety, trepidation basically a little fear. This is totally understandable, normal and to be expected. After all when was the last time we actually honestly took a searching look at OURSELVES- not only superficially but deep into the recesses, where the fear, guilt, shame, the areas where our low self esteem, our inconsistencies, our guilt's and shame lives. The places we always ignored or ran from. The place where those things surfaced we usually drank, used or did whatever we do.

Rest assured, This is why Step Four is Step Four, and the Three previous steps are before it. The previous Steps gives you access and use of a power so great that nothing in Step four can hurt you, The previous steps have given you the power and strength to face whatever is needed to face what is in your step four, that and the love care and concern of a sponsor and support system. The need for the previous three steps and establishing a support system is to avail you of the strength, guidance and caring to ACHIEVE A SEARCHING Moral inventory of self leaving nothing uncovered. As this is part of the roots that Feed OUR disease and the need to run away, escape and not face life. Once Done this step and the next will give you a new look and freedom on life to , Love, Enjoy and be Free As not experienced in Years if ever by some or least not since a very young child.


This is the foundation to your personal gateway to a life unimagined, of a life of true happiness, Joy and a new found freedom.
Remember God Does not Create Garbage

A New Life

Well if you have been following the directions, (suggestions) laid out in this blog. Then you are upon your journey to a new life, one that you cannot fathom at this time. One that will surprise and amaze you.

You should at this point have a established peer group/ support system in place. You have a sponsor in place for further support and have been attending regular meetings. You have completed Steps 1, 2 and 3. Now at this point it is it is essential to re emphasize the aspect that the Steps are numbered for a reason. There is a distinct purpose for the order of the steps. You are a the point now that everything mentioned before needs to be in place. You will require the support of your support group now more than ever. As well your biggest and most important part of your support group has just been established. This was established in the process of the last three steps. The most important and supporting part of your support system has been established in these three steps. It is the aspect of the love and support you have created with The God of Your understanding.

Now before we proceed, I highly suggest you ensure that your support system is properly intact and that-To the Best of your ability completed the first Three steps.
Remember That God does not create garbage

What Is God's WIll?

"Prayer-The Path to God's Will" by Father Joseph C. Martin

"Step 3 of AA" by Father Joseph C. Martin