Step 9: Making Amends. (Part 1)

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In theory, much of this step has been done when we did step 4. It would be hard to imagine any people or institutions that would not automatically transfer to the 9th step list. However, like it or not, we are human and subject to pangs of conscience or plain old forgetfulness. In any event, we need to go over this list of folks we have harmed, (in any way), because the more wreckage of the past that we can truly and honestly put behind us, the smoother the road ahead. If you are like me, some other folks will come to mind as I made amends. I guess I have been wasting time, even in writing about this. I have learned that the thing to do is just take that bull by the horns and go for it.

How? Good question. I found it hard to plan ahead. Most folks I just went to them, told them I discovered I had a problem, and I was trying to make amends to those I might have hurt, mostly by apologizing and asking what I could, if anything, to make things right. That was pretty much it. I mentioned the steps but didn’t get into the spiritual stuff. It sometimes makes people uncomfortable.

Of course, if they were understanding, and wanted to know more, I was more than happy to speak with them. I must tell you, when I was new to my spiritual growth, I didn’t have much confidence, but God gave me the strength I needed.