Principle - Brotherly love
Restitution
Working Step 8 begins the internal healing from any guilt and shame generated while active in our disease. We focus on taking responsibility for ourselves. In the past, we blamed our parents, relatives, friends, foes, bosses, coworkers, and just about anyone other than us.
Looking back at our inventory from step 4, we noted all the people at whom we were resentful and/or whom we had hurt. The fact that we are resentful at them is a clue that we probably owe them some type of amend. There may be situations where we didn't cause any direct harm or insult to the person, and they likewise, have no idea that we are resentful at them. Our harm could be one that is "secret", as in a secret resentment or ill thoughts directed at someone. In this case, we still add their name to the amends list. There may be cases where the person is no longer alive. We also include them in our amends list. We make a list of all who we have harmed, including ourselves. We will forgive ourselves as part of the process. We learn about amends and what we will do in the next step
Our willingness is important in this step. We are willing to face the damage we caused ourselves and others. We remember that faith overcomes fear.
* Forgiveness helps us to let go of hurtful events of the past.
*What we don't forgive from our past behavior, we will re-live in our future.
*We remember, "Forgiveness is blessing someone before they deserve it."
*We prepare to ask, but not expect forgiveness from others.
Aside from making the list, this step requires no other action. All that is needed is a willingness to make amends to those we have harmed or hurt.
One day at a time.
a) In your journal, make a list of all persons you have harmed and to whom you are now willing to make amends.
b) Also make a list of all persons you have harmed and to whom you are not yet willing to make amends.
c) Write why you are not yet ready to make amends to each person you listed in 8b.
Working guide for Step 8. Read and share your story about step 8 here: Step 8