Back to Basics

Step 5

We Share Our Inventory

Chapter 6 - Into Action

Page 72, paragraph 2, lines 4-12

Chapter 6

INTO ACTION

HAVING MADE our personal inventory, what shall
we do about it? We have been trying to get a
new attitude, a new relationship with our Creator, and
to discover the obstacles in our path. We have ad-
mitted certain defects; we have ascertained in a rough
way what the trouble is; we have put our finger on the
weak items in our personal inventory. Now these are
about to be cast out. This requires action on our part,
which, when completed, will mean that we have ad-
mitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human
being, the exact nature of our defects. This brings us
to the Fifth Step in the program of recovery mentioned
in the preceding chapter.

This is perhaps difficult—especially discussing our
defects with another person. We think we have done
well enough in admitting these things to ourselves.
There is doubt about that. In actual practice, we usu-
ally find a solitary self-appraisal insufficient. Many of
us thought it necessary to go much further. We will
be more reconciled to discussing ourselves with an-
other person when we see good reasons why we should
do so. The best reason first: If we skip this vital step,
we may not overcome drinking. Time after time new­
comers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts
about their lives.
Trying to avoid this humbling ex-
perience, they have turned to easier methods. Almost

With Whom?

Chapter 6 - Into Action

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invariably they got drunk. Having persevered with
the rest of the program, they wondered why they fell.
We think the reason is that they never completed their
housecleaning. They took inventory all right, but
hung on to some of the worst items in stock. They
only thought they had lost their egoism and fear; they
only thought they had humbled themselves. But they
had not learned enough of humility, fearlessness and
honesty, in the sense we find it necessary, until they
told someone else all their life story.

More than most people, the alcoholic leads a double
life. He is very much the actor. To the outer world he
presents his stage character. This is the one he likes
his fellows to see. He wants to enjoy a certain reputa-
tion, but knows in his heart he doesn't deserve it.

The inconsistency is made worse by the things he
does on his sprees. Coming to his senses, he is revolted
at certain episodes he vaguely remembers. These
memories are a nightmare. He trembles to think some-
one might have observed him. As fast as he can, he
pushes these memories far inside himself. He hopes
they will never see the light of day. He is under con-
stant fear and tension—that makes for more drinking.

Psychologists are inclined to agree with us. We
have spent thousands of dollars for examinations. We
know but few instances where we have given these
doctors a fair break. We have seldom told them the
whole truth nor have we followed their advice. Un-
willing to be honest with these sympathetic men, we
were honest with no one else. Small wonder many in
the medical profession have a low opinion of alcoholics
and their chance for recovery!

We must be entirely honest with somebody if we

Chapter 6 - Into Action

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expect to live long or happily in this world. Rightly
and naturally, we think well before we choose the per-
son or persons with whom to take this intimate and
confidential step. Those of us belonging to a religious
denomination which requires confession must, and of
course, will want to go to the properly appointed au-
thority whose duty it is to receive it. Though we have
no religious connection, we may still do well to talk
with someone ordained by an established religion.
We
often find such a person quick to see and understand
our problem. Of course, we sometimes encounter peo-
ple who do not understand alcoholics.

If we cannot or would rather not do this, we search
our acquaintance for a close-mouthed, understanding
friend. Perhaps our doctor or psychologist will be the
person.
It may be one of our own family, but we can-
not disclose anything to our wives or our parents which
will hurt them and make them unhappy. We have
no right to save our own skin at another person's ex-
pense. Such parts of our story we tell to someone who
will understand, yet be unaffected. The rule is we
must be hard on ourself, but always considerate of
others.

Notwithstanding the great necessity for discussing
ourselves with someone, it may be one is so situated
that there is no suitable person available. If that is so,
this step may be postponed, only, however, if we hold
ourselves in complete readiness to go through with it
at the first opportunity. We say this because we are
very anxious that we talk to the right person. It is im-
portant that he be able to keep a confidence; that he
fully understand and approve what we are driving at;

This Step May be Temporarily Postponed

Chapter 6 - Into Action

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expect to live long or happily in this world. Rightly
and naturally, we think well before we choose the per-
son or persons with whom to take this intimate and
confidential step. Those of us belonging to a religious
denomination which requires confession must, and of
course, will want to go to the properly appointed au-
thority whose duty it is to receive it. Though we have
no religious connection, we may still do well to talk
with someone ordained by an established religion. We
often find such a person quick to see and understand
our problem. Of course, we sometimes encounter peo-
ple who do not understand alcoholics.

If we cannot or would rather not do this, we search
our acquaintance for a close-mouthed, understanding
friend. Perhaps our doctor or psychologist will be the
person. It may be one of our own family, but we can-
not disclose anything to our wives or our parents which
will hurt them and make them unhappy. We have
no right to save our own skin at another person's ex-
pense. Such parts of our story we tell to someone who
will understand, yet be unaffected. The rule is we
must be hard on ourself, but always considerate of
others.

Notwithstanding the great necessity for discussing
ourselves with someone, it may be one is so situated
that there is no suitable person available. If that is so,
this step may be postponed, only, however, if we hold
ourselves in complete readiness to go through with it
at the first opportunity.
We say this because we are
very anxious that we talk to the right person. It is im-
portant that he be able to keep a confidence; that he
fully understand and approve what we are driving at;

How Do We Take this Step?

Chapter 6 - Into Action

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that he will not try to change our plan. But we must
not use this as a mere excuse to postpone.

When we decide who is to hear our story, we waste
no time. We have a written inventory and we are pre-
pared for a long talk. We explain to our partner what
we are about to do and why we have to do it.
He
should realize that we are engaged upon a life-and-
death errand. Most people approached in this way
will be glad to help; they will be honored by our
confidence.

We pocket our pride and go to it, illuminating every
twist of character, every dark cranny of the past. Once
we have taken this step, withholding nothing, we are
delighted. We can look the world in the eye. We can
be alone at perfect peace and ease. Our fears fall from
us. We begin to feel the nearness of our Creator. We
may have had certain spiritual beliefs, but now we be-
gin to have a spiritual experience. The feeling that
the drink problem has disappeared will often come
strongly. We feel we are on the Broad Highway,
walking hand in hand with the Spirit of the Universe.

Returning home we find a place where we can be
quiet for an hour, carefully reviewing what we have
done. We thank God from the bottom of our heart
that we know Him better. Taking this book down
from our shelf we turn to the page which contains the
twelve steps. Carefully reading the first five proposals
we ask if we have omitted anything, for we are build-
ing an arch through which we shall walk a free man
at last. Is our work solid so far? Are the stones prop-
erly in place? Have we skimped on the cement put
into the foundation? Have we tried to make mortar
without sand?