Stepwork

Learn how the 12 Steps work. Participate in your own recovery as well as the recovery of others, by being active on this board as we go through the 12 Steps of recovery together! We discuss each of the Twelve Steps In the order they are written, one step at a time, every two weeks.

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: Step Nine - Questions
dot


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 237
Date:
Step Nine - Questions


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

1. What are my motives for making amends? Am I willing to accept the outcome, whatever I may be.?

2. Which people on my list do I need to make direct amends first?

3. What is the difference between an apology and making amends? Which amends will be best done by changing my behavior?

4. What amends am I putting off? Why?


This was a hard Step for me but the peace I found was worth the work.

Love in Recovery - Dot

__________________


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 6
Date:

Hmmmmm.....


This is a hard step for me.  I worked for a gas station when I was 19/20, when I first met my now husband.  he had a better paying job than I did, and we had quite the lifestyle.  SO, since it was easy, I often slipped $20 bills into my pocket instead of the till.  There was no way to tell if I was pocketing money, so I got away with it. I never got caught.


I often wonder if they knew.  That is the amend that first comes to light every time I think of this step.  I know that we don't have to do it if it will injure others, but I am not sure if it will.  I like to justify myself to think that it might bring up things in the manager's heart that will cause her damage, but know for sure that I am just filling my head with garbage to avoid doing it.


You see, I am still friends with these people, and am not the person I was then.  I honestly feel that if I was to apologize, then they would know that I wronged them, I suppose that means that I was injuring myself... "others".


But, if I was just to put a couple hundred dollars in an envelope with a Sorry Card, then perhaps I would feel better.  They never have to know it was me, but I righted the wrong. Sure, it is 10 years later, but it is done.....


I dunno, thanks for listening.



__________________
dot


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 237
Date:

Hi - Interesting delemma you have.

When I was in doubt, I needed to remember that the amends were for me. I asked my Higher Power to guide me - to clear my mind so it was possible for me to make amends that would help me and not harm the other person. Then I let it go.

In time I was able to make the amends that I needed to for me and the weight was lifted.

Love in Recovery - Dot

__________________


Newbie

Status: Offline
Posts: 2
Date:

I was actually afraid of this step, 4 was hard but it was all on paper. This step is actual face to face with the person or persons. One thing I did keep in mind was, It doesn't matter what they say back, if they forgive or not, this is for me to clean my side of the street.As I went down my list I do know there are a few people who I can't do it with cause it's not safe to do so (ex husband, ex monster in law) My mother was the first one I went to and it went better then expected, I wasn't there to say I was sorry, I wakas there to say what I did wrong and to make peace with her. I had another who down right told me where to go, but I was ok with it , cause since I cleaned my side of the street it's out of my hands and it's on them, The weight is lifted . So I am doing this step very slowly and picking who is safe to do this with and who to wait.

__________________
Donnamaria
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us

Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book)

Al-Anon

Courage to Change

The 12 Steps 
For Adult Children

Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums
Recovery Book Store

http://www.12stepforums.net/books.html

All Books in our bookstore are recovery related books, please visit the store and make a purchase for yourself or someone you want to shine some love on!

Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions

 

 

Daily Affirmations for Adult Childern

When you buy a book you are helping support Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums

We have over 100 recovery books in our bookstore which is affiliated with Amazon.com.  The fastest, safest and easiest way to get your new reading material sent directly to you.