Who Have We Harmed? Can We Make Amends?

he Alcoholics Anonymous addiction recovery program's steps 8 and 9 are as follows:

Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Step 9: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to  do so would injure them or others.

This is definitely when we pray for the good outcome.

It's suiting up and showing up, keeping that promise, making that restitution.

The list isn't too long. Some of the people I'd harmed are dead, but over the years, I've been able to patch up a few relationships thanks to God and some forgiving on the part of those I had hurt.

Someone said in a meeting regarding this step that you should put yourself at
the top of the list. This went over my head at first, but I know now that these bad decisions in my life have consequences.

So, forever changed by my past, I just keep on forging ahead with what God wants me to do and be.

It's easier to live with myself but I need to keep checking in with my Higher Power at the end of the day to see if everything is alright. He'll let me know.

What's that Nike slogan? "Just do it." Give thanks that God is letting it be possible to go ahead with doing it and don't worry about the outcome. The Greatest Power in the universe is in the driver's seat, right? At this point I hope you're letting Him drive.

With love, Jim