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I'm a big fan of getting as much as I can. While it's popular to focus on the big book and the first "sacred" 164 pages. There's a lot of stuff been written since then. Inventories I've gotten a lot out of include Alanons blueprint for progress. and the inventory found in OAs main book. Unfortunately I can't think of the name of it. I think it's something like the twelve steps and twelve traditions of overeater's anonymous. Anyway I've done those as well as the older one out of the big book as well as some more free form inventories under the guidance of a sponsor. All have been great and I now don't think twice about trying anything I think might work. The big book says go get any outside help you need and I follow that suggestion quite a bit.

If I were to do another inventory today, and I'm sure there's another in my future. I think I'd be important for me to remain concious of why I was doing it and what my goal was in getting that stuff out. I have a lot of self worth stuff still. (I think it's the biggest problem in the recovering addict/alcoholic.) So I'd keep in mind that I was doing this for myself and that would reinforce the value I have.

One of the first real atheists I ever met and is still a dear friend today defined his spirit as the things he would leave behind. What people would think of him, his attitudes, values, and influences on the people around him. The stuff that would endure his death in some way. When I take an inventory and have teh courage to share it with another. I affirm I'm still willing to work on and improve myself and that it has value.

I hope that helped a little. I know, for myself, every inventory and step 5 was a step forward and the stuff I needed to look at and chagne became apparent as I went.

Happy trudging. :)

There's a book too called "Came to Believe" which pretty much says the same but gives more examples (75 in total) including how atheists deal with the whole higher power business. It was first published in 1973.

there's a kindle edition on amazon but it looks like if you want a paper copy you'll have to order it direct from AA world services

But both the books "Alcoholics Anonymous" and the 12 and 12 make it quite clear that it is down to the individual to find their own understanding of a higher power - all I had to do for step 3 was "quit playing God" and this is surely something that atheists, agnostic and religionist alike can do.

I don't believe in a "Czar of the heavens" any more than Bill W did when he wrote Chapter 4 "We Agnostics" and don't find it necessary to do so to admit that on my own I cannot keep away from the first drink.

Just wanted to link you to these two books. The first one is good; I can't vouch for the second. I found the second while looking for the first. Looks like there's several more, too!