SoberQ
SoberQ
Barbara – What made us balk at writing our Step Four inventory?
Barbara – What made us balk at writing our Step Four inventory?
Barbara – What made us balk at writing our Step Four inventory?
Monday 8th February 2021
Barbara discusses the importance of Step Four in AA's recovery programme and how honesty can lead to spiritual growth and strengthened sobriety.
Explicit
4 minutes
Inspiring
Supportive
Honest
Encouraging
Healing
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Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Financial Health in Recovery
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Get the buttons here!Facing Your Fears: Barbara's Journey Through Step Four
Episode Overview
- Step Four is crucial for lasting recovery.
- Resentments are major hurdles for alcoholics.
- Honesty is key; write down even darkest secrets.
- Support from sponsors is invaluable.
- Completing Step Four leads to spiritual growth.
"We are as sick as our secrets"
Ever wondered why some people hesitate when it comes to writing their Step Four inventory in the Alcoholics Anonymous programme? Barbara, who got sober at 50 and has been sober for four years, tackles this question head-on. In this episode of SoberQ, she reflects on the infamous Step Four, which involves making a searching and fearless moral inventory of oneself. While it might sound daunting, Barbara explains that it’s an essential action step towards effective recovery.
Barbara shares her own journey with the AA programme, highlighting how strong support at meetings propelled her into completing Step Four without hesitation. She recalls starting Step Four immediately after completing Step Three at her sponsor's house. Armed with an A4 pad and pen, she made a list of names and institutions she felt resentment towards. Through this process, Barbara learned that resentments are a major hurdle for alcoholics, often leading to complex emotions like anger and bitterness.
Her sponsor advised her to keep her inventory private and not worry about spelling or grammar – the focus should be on honesty. Barbara encourages listeners not to fear this step and assures them that even the darkest secrets should be written down. She emphasises that honesty is crucial because 'we are as sick as our secrets'. Completing Step Four can lead to strengthened sobriety, spiritual growth, and improved relationships.
With heartfelt anecdotes and practical advice, Barbara offers a supportive voice for those facing this challenging step. If you’re curious about how tackling your fears can lead to spiritual growth and strengthened sobriety, this episode might just be what you need. Barbara’s journey could inspire you to face your own challenges head-on.