The Fifth Step

"Admitted to God, to ourselves, and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs."


The fifth step in recovery is described in the book "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions" as "scarcely any step is more necessary to longtime sobriety and peace of mind than this one." It seems like the principle that we keep hearing through the first five steps is that we are not alone anymore. We do not have to navigate through life by ourselves anymore. It never worked, drunk or sober.

Sometimes there is a great reluctance to do this step. Sometimes we feel that we were just so horrible in the way we lived our lives that we wouldn't want anyone, including God to know about it. Well, God already knows. We think that the inclusion of admitting to God the exact nature of our wrongs is a step in humility. We are seeking forgiveness.

Why another human being? The answer is simple. If our past is not discussed we have the tendency to justify our behavior. When we speak of admittance to another human being the literature suggests that we find a trusting person. A sponsor or member of the clergy who can take an objective look at the past with us is the suggestion.

After we have completed the fifth step, if done 100% honestly, we feel so much better. We now can see why we drank like we did. We see who and how we have hurt other people. Another list has been created too. We now have our list for the amends steps. The feeling of isolation between ourselves, God, and the world often times diminishes.

These are feelings that you do not want to miss.

Daily Gratitude:

I am grateful that I no longer need to argue with everyone. Today I will remain peaceful and calm. I pray that peace and calm will be my companions throughout this day.