At a recent meeting, where the subject was Step Five, a lady shared two benefits of doing a Step Five.
She began, “In my first Step Five, for the first time in my life, I listened to someone who had just heard my shortcomings. She gave me a completely different angle on the problem, another perspective on my actions and attitudes. This alternate view clarified what was going on.
“I learned this lesson every time I did another Fifth Step. Without fail, the Fifth Stepper saw things from a different angle, and I walked away with a better sense of what was going on, a better understanding of the real problem.
“The first benefit is more than enough to justify a Fifth Step. But there is more.
“I did not see all my defects in the early inventories, and they did not show up in my Fifth Steps. I still had some dark corners that needed ventilation.
“Years ago, I was working with a newcomer. She had a problem that I was familiar with; I realized I had the same shortcoming. One that I had never inventoried or shared with another human being.
“I can still recall the conversation. I felt her pain, and I commiserated with her and tried to give her advice. I remember outlining my theories about what was going on. But it was a waste of time. I could tell that my comments were not resonating.
“Then I did another inventory and Step Five. I finally addressed the shortcoming that I heard my newcomer talk about; I finally ventilated the dark corner.
“I went back to the newcomer, and we talked about her problem again. The conversation was different. Having Fifth Stepped my problem, I found that I could talk with her, woman to woman, and share my experience. My fear was gone. I did not have to share the details of my story, but it became clear that what I was saying resonated. I was finally able to help her. She could relate.
“Until I do a Fifth Step, I only have my thoughts and fears on what is going on in my head. Until I do a Fifth Step on the problem, until I get out of my head and talk with someone, I can’t help anyone.
“But once I have talked about it, I can help.”
Two great benefits to a good Step Five.
Related posts
Spiritual Maturity
Transforming Through Partnership with God
