Alcoholics Anonymous is not a “one trick pony” after that Step 4 inventory. But we are called to periodically undertake another inventory and to do so “continuously.

We are humans after all and our lives change, sometimes through drastic changes, but change might be subtle and seemingly appears out of nowhere. We attend meetings and in the discussions we may discover some way we have changed, perhaps a new thought prompts us to ask ourselves the same question this newbie has put on the table. Perhaps we are confronted with a personal problem or sudden family crisis both of which may prompt us to ask, “What’s my role in it?” Then it’s important to sit down, take out a piece of paper and analyze what the issue is all about and map out what you may have said or done that has caused the harm. But just because you haven’t been confronted by one of those “pop-up” crises, you still are on the hook, for Step 10 calls us to “continually” undertake that examination. Who knows, perhaps in doing so you avoid a sudden surprise issue that pops up.

These review efforts provide us with a chance at an honest and complete look-see at ourselves.  We’re human beings after all who at one point in our lives were less than honest with ourselves, and with others, perhaps having engaged in a lot of falsehoods especially as to our conduct.

To do this “continuously” is why this Program is such a grand piece of our living a life that is something more than going through the motions. Here is a suggestion along those lines: use your inventory as a means to checkout your spiritual life. Sometimes that responsibility gets lost with the pressure of our lives in today’s busy world. But a spiritual life is one of the keys to a deep understanding of “who we are, what are we doing” and is “my value system on the proper page?”  An examination of your spiritual life may be the complete focus of your Step 10 work.

At the heart of Step 10 is your affirmation that you will take responsibility for your conduct, face it, and make amends where necessary. Some have done this at set times of the year, perhaps during the Christmas holidays. Maybe after an important project is completed and the usual “down time” before the next one comes along. Perhaps this is that quiet time to work on Step 10. Of course, religious retreats are a natural place to work through some of these issues especially when the retreat involves a facilitator who is skilled at keeping you headed in the overall best and productive direction, and to “call you” when you get off track or start playing games.

Well, Step 10; is another benefit of being part of the life of the Program.

“Gee, thanks Bill and Dr. Bob!”

Jim A/St X noon, Cincinnati