Traditional language: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs

Key parts of step 5

• Acknowledging and accepting parts of ourselves, our lives and our history – those we are proud of and those we feel shame about
• Acknowledging to ourselves our thoughts and feelings that keep us from being present in our lives and/or fuel our eating disorder
• Feeling secure that we can tell the truth about ourselves and our lives — to ourselves, to our community, to whatever our concept of a higher power or purpose is — and still be lovable and ok.
• Practicing seeing our mistakes as chances to grow and part of our humanity rather than something inherently wrong with us.
• Practicing bringing the things that we feel shame about and keep hidden into the light. Seeing how sharing ourselves and practicing wise vulnerability can help build community.
• Practicing discernment about what of our life and history we want to share, with who, and when.

Potential alternatives

• I will practice sharing with others when I feel ashamed, not blaming myself for things that are not my responsibility.
• I can acknowledge and accept myself when I make mistakes or notice patterns in my life i want to change.
• I can share parts of my life honestly with the people i love and trust. I don’t have to hide parts of myself to be lovable and worthy of care.