Why Inventories Matter Even though We’ve been Doing “Just Fine” Thus Far – Step 4 begins
“Why work the Fourth Step? After all, we’ve been able to stay clean so far.” (It Works How & Why, p. 26)
Clutch the Pearls as “Beggars, Tramps, Queers and Fallen Women” Take To the Streets
“So beggars, tramps, asylum inmates, prisoners, queers, plain crack-pots, and fallen women were definitely out … . Yes, WE WERE INTOLERANT.” (12 & 12, pp. 139 – 140)
Are These “Extravagant Promises” or Everyday Miracles Just within Our Reach – Step 3
“The miracle, or
the power, that ele-
vates the few is to be
found in their industry, ap-
plication, and persever-
ance under the prompt-
ing of a brave, deter-
mined spirit.”
– Mark Twain (1835 – 1910) U.S. author / satirist
How to Do The ‘Right’ Thing for the ‘Right’ Reasons – Step 3
“We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin, we ask God [or our HP]* to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonesty or self-seeking motives.” (The Big Book, p. 86)
When Spiritual Alignment can be “The Most Momentous Thing” – Step 3
“The most momentous thing in human life is the art of winning the soul to good over evil. – Pythagoras (c. 582 BC – c. 496 BC) Ionian Greek philosopher on spiritual alignment
“More will be Revealed” The Mystery from a Spiritual Perspective – Step 3
“Not only is this way of life better than the hell we lived, it is better than any life that we have ever known.” “Each day more will be revealed.” (The Basic Text, p. 107)
Carpe Diem – Seize the Day as if There are No More Tomorrows – Trad. 3
“Dream as if you
will live forever; Live
as if you will die today.”
James Dean (1931 – 1955) U.S. actor
When You Get Right Down to It … “It’s an Inside Job.” – Step 3
“When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are, look within and examine your own self.”
– Confucius (551 ~ 479 BC) Chinese philosopher
Two of Nature’s Most Powerful Forces: Black Holes and The Ego – Step 3
“And do not his actions make each of them wish to retaliate, snatching all they can get out of the show? (The Big Book, p. 61 on the ego)
Oh, What A Relief It Is – Step 3
“To pity distress is
but human; to relieve
it is Godlike.”
– Horace Mann (1796 – 1859) U.S.,
education reformer for public schools