August 8 Made a list of all persons we had harmed... Twelve Steps And Twelve Traditions p.77
When I approached the Eighth Step, I wondered how I could list all the things that I have done to other people since there were so many people, and some of them weren't alive anymore. Some of the hurts I inflicted weren't bad, but they really bothered me. The main thing to see in this Step was to become willing to do whatever I had to do to make these amends to the best of my ability at that particular time. Where there is a will, there's a way, so if I want to feel better, I need to unload the guilt feelings I have. A peaceful mind has no room for feelings of guilt. With the help of my Higher Power, if I am honest with myself, I can cleanse my mind of these feelings. Daily Reflections p. 229
Hi GammyRose, when I made my list of people I had harmed and saw to my dismay that a couple of these folks had crossed over, I thought to myself Oh no now I can't make this amend. my sponsor asked me why I couldn't and I replied because they are dead. Thats when he reminded me it was as much to clear my mind as to make restitution or apologies to the person. he told me I should go to the persons grave and make my amends as though the person was sitting across from me. If it was restitution of money owed, I should pay it back to the survivors of the person.
Know what it worked! through prayer and meditation I wait for God to tell me its time and to whom I make my amends, then its only a matter doing the deed and I never put off an amend when God tells me its time.
Thanks for your post I needed the reminder. Bobby Dean.
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"Happiness is, When What you Think, What you say, and What you do is in Harmony."
"Mohatma Gandhi"
Bobby Dean.