Todays reading is a focus on step 8, when we make a list of people we have harmed and are willing to make amends. The writer shares that at a sponsors suggestion, he/she made this list in column form, with the 3rd column describing the harmful act. As is described, being specific about the harm we have done can be quite difficult, but the benefit in this format was that the 3rd column showed clearly what harm was being repeated, and made those character defects easier to address.
I would add that my sponsor reminded me when I was working the steps, that I could and should be included among the people I had harmed, and by working a recovery program I was making a daily amends to myself.
I am grateful to be here with all of you and hope you enjoy a peaceful Sunday!
Mary
hotrod said
Jul 15, 2018
Good Morning Mary I too placed myself t the top of the amends list while working Step 8 and I made amends to myself by attending alanon meetings and using the tools(steps and slogans).
As for others on my list, I was informed that simply saying "I am sorry" was not acceptable -- I needed to own my part,, change my behavior and then move on So glad that i had the courage to wok this step as it has made a tremendous difference in my life
Thanks for your service. Have a great day
Iamhere said
Jul 15, 2018
Good morning MIP. Thank you Betty & Mary for your shares and ESH....thank you also Mary for your service and the daily. I too was asked to put myself at the top of the list and agree that part of my living amends to myself is continued efforts at living this program One Day at a Time. I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on my actions and my part to find those patterns and then work to change them.
Most grateful that I am only focused on progress and not perfection. It took me a long while to get to recovery and it's okay with me that it's part of my journey for a lifetime. Happy Sunday to all - off to a meeting in a bit - great way to start my Sunday!!
DavidG said
Jul 15, 2018
Hmmm thanks Mary...
I have done he steps 4 or 5 times- and found something new each time.
I would not say "exciting" because letting go is hard work!
About my third time through- I wrote "Made a list of those who had harmed me and vowed to get even".
after that I learned something- I was able to 'get even' by getting better.
Like Betty says- we need to make amends to ourselves, as well. Upload lots of shame- when we are ready.
It is sometimes hard to accept hard truths. Letting Go and Letting God is actually easy and pleasant in the long run.
Getting started is the really hard part, I find... ...
Good morning everyone-
Todays reading is a focus on step 8, when we make a list of people we have harmed and are willing to make amends. The writer shares that at a sponsors suggestion, he/she made this list in column form, with the 3rd column describing the harmful act. As is described, being specific about the harm we have done can be quite difficult, but the benefit in this format was that the 3rd column showed clearly what harm was being repeated, and made those character defects easier to address.
I would add that my sponsor reminded me when I was working the steps, that I could and should be included among the people I had harmed, and by working a recovery program I was making a daily amends to myself.
I am grateful to be here with all of you and hope you enjoy a peaceful Sunday!
Mary
Good Morning Mary I too placed myself t the top of the amends list while working Step 8 and I made amends to myself by attending alanon meetings and using the tools(steps and slogans).
As for others on my list, I was informed that simply saying "I am sorry" was not acceptable -- I needed to own my part,, change my behavior and then move on So glad that i had the courage to wok this step as it has made a tremendous difference in my life
Thanks for your service. Have a great day
Most grateful that I am only focused on progress and not perfection. It took me a long while to get to recovery and it's okay with me that it's part of my journey for a lifetime. Happy Sunday to all - off to a meeting in a bit - great way to start my Sunday!!
Hmmm thanks Mary...
I have done he steps 4 or 5 times- and found something new each time.
I would not say "exciting" because letting go is hard work!
About my third time through- I wrote "Made a list of those who had harmed me and vowed to get even".
after that I learned something- I was able to 'get even' by getting better.
Like Betty says- we need to make amends to ourselves, as well. Upload lots of shame- when we are ready.
It is sometimes hard to accept hard truths. Letting Go and Letting God is actually easy and pleasant in the long run.
Getting started is the really hard part, I find...
...
Thanks.