A Searching and Fearless Moral Inventory

In the world of Alcoholics Anonymous, and in fact in all the affiliated twelve step programs, there's a process called the fourth step inventory. It is a written and then shared document executed in private, but sometimes with the help of a sponsor, a trusted other alcoholic, who guides and coaches one to complete the inventory.

The purpose of the fourth step is to come clean about one's character defects. And the ultimate purpose of this process is simply to come clean and then to stay sober. The long-term effects of a stronger character are obvious as a boost to sobriety.

Given all 12 steps, most alcoholics (or anyone involved in a 12 step program) will tell you the fourth step is the hardest. Why? The descriptive words hint at the challenge--- searching and fearless. It means to be completely honest, without excuses or cover ups, without cutting corners on our behaviors. This fourth step has appealed to many groups, far afield from alcoholism.

You can never know too much about yourself. The more you know where you've shortchanged others as well as yourself, the more opportunity for a better life you have from this moment on. And what else is there?