Step 5 calls us to “admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”
In my recovery journey, I found this Step to be the most freeing experience. In truth, it took time to remember and write down the resentments I harboured, and all the things I needed to let go. My sponsor was a big help and had me fill out sections of a worksheet on my fears, conduct, resentments, et cetera … basically anything that was holding me back, any person I still had unresolved feelings towards.
When it was time for me to complete this Step, I read through everything I had written. I felt very comfortable with my sponsor, which was important. I knew I could trust her and that I could say anything in her presence because I had an understanding and a connection with her.
In sharing my wrongs not only with my sponsor but also with God, I released all the negative thoughts and experiences I had held onto for so many years. For me, this Step meant telling another person things I never thought I’d tell anyone – but doing so gave me a clean slate and made me ready to let go of the person I used to be. Because of this, I’m now a new, pure being that gets to start fresh. It’s incredible.
Releasing these aspects of my past also gave me the opportunity to forgive myself, too. Because of Step 5, I can look at myself with compassion and know I only need to do the next right thing.
My advice to anyone approaching Step 5 is to just trust the process and do what your sponsor advises you to do, to the best of your ability. If you forget something and it pops up down the road again, you can always share that with your sponsor the next time you see them.
Step 5 isn’t easy, but there is peace on the other side. It is so freeing, and it’s absolutely worth it.
