staring at amends list
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 567
staring at amends list
I got my amends list, all done the way as sponsor suggested. All BB with some inprovisation, listening to some speakers, whatever God directs my thinking, I try to listen, and follow through. Not easy.
I simply stare at it, ( the amends list) eeny meeny minee moe, wishing it could blow away.
But it won't. It stares back at me.
nia nia, I hear it whisper, let's go play to make amends today!
From that list I have made 3 amends.
They didn't care, now I'm sober- nothing more to say?
But I felt a sense of ease, they were looking for the old me, trying to say things that were from the past. Incredible expirience.
I did not budge, I actually froze, said goodbye turned and went on my way, smiling, happy, sober and free.
The other hung up the fone, and the 3rd person I'm no longer expecting a reply from an amend letter sent, except it was registered-paid to confirm signature from reciever. Recieved. Done.
I'll stare at the remaining and increasing list again another day, wishing it will burn away.
So I simply get on with it, Step 10-11-12 and stare. Do step meetings,BB study, service and practice step 4 to 9 all over again, meetings, living, sober, staring at my increasing amends list.
Some amends are done in silence, let sleeping dogs lie.
I simply stare at it, ( the amends list) eeny meeny minee moe, wishing it could blow away.
But it won't. It stares back at me.
nia nia, I hear it whisper, let's go play to make amends today!
From that list I have made 3 amends.
They didn't care, now I'm sober- nothing more to say?
But I felt a sense of ease, they were looking for the old me, trying to say things that were from the past. Incredible expirience.
I did not budge, I actually froze, said goodbye turned and went on my way, smiling, happy, sober and free.
The other hung up the fone, and the 3rd person I'm no longer expecting a reply from an amend letter sent, except it was registered-paid to confirm signature from reciever. Recieved. Done.
I'll stare at the remaining and increasing list again another day, wishing it will burn away.
So I simply get on with it, Step 10-11-12 and stare. Do step meetings,BB study, service and practice step 4 to 9 all over again, meetings, living, sober, staring at my increasing amends list.
Some amends are done in silence, let sleeping dogs lie.
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,697
Step 8 is more than just creating a list of amends that need to be made.
It also says something about becoming willing to do so.
Here is what I do, you may find it helpful.
Each name is on an index card, the specific harm I have written down as having caused is on the back.
I look at it and ask if I am willing to make that amend. If I am, I put a " + " next to the name. If not I put a " - " next to it and move on to the next card. I make direct amends for those with a " + " and I pray on those with a " - ". Something like "I trust that when the time is right to make this amend, I will know. Please give me the power to carry out this very important task when that time comes."
I look at the card, and change the " - " to a " + ", when I feel I am willing and eager to go out and make that amend.
Simple stuff. Try not to get hung up on the timing. When the time is right, the time is right and never before.
It also says something about becoming willing to do so.
Here is what I do, you may find it helpful.
Each name is on an index card, the specific harm I have written down as having caused is on the back.
I look at it and ask if I am willing to make that amend. If I am, I put a " + " next to the name. If not I put a " - " next to it and move on to the next card. I make direct amends for those with a " + " and I pray on those with a " - ". Something like "I trust that when the time is right to make this amend, I will know. Please give me the power to carry out this very important task when that time comes."
I look at the card, and change the " - " to a " + ", when I feel I am willing and eager to go out and make that amend.
Simple stuff. Try not to get hung up on the timing. When the time is right, the time is right and never before.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 567
Step 8 is more than just creating a list of amends that need to be made.
It also says something about becoming willing to do so.
It also says something about becoming willing to do so.
Case scenario the other day.
I was at a gas station, started to walk into cashier to pay for fuel, and who is walking out? Family member. Nothing was said, they just kep walking, not a "hello" or a wave, nothing, yet they saw me. So unnatural this happens with a blood relative, to simply make as if they don't know me. I have to go to God, after all I did doo the 3rd Step Prayer, so I guess He's got it all under control!
I just kept walking to. "I was there to buy and pay for fuel", so I thought, "not gonna mess this up, just because-just because!"
But I really need to make an amend to this particular family member, it's directly linked to the letter amend, the parent.
I like the idea of the card system. Have heard it before on tape, but reading it makes it all look simpler.
Thanks
Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: God's Grace
Posts: 2,464
Pete I commend you on your willingness and efforts. Right there with ya...meeting with sponser to review and discuss more step 9 work. I too look at the list and think it will take a very long time and have to remember to take it one day at a time and in God's time not mine be done today and then ask God to remove my shortcomings as to not wallow in guilt and shame...tough one for me. Thankful that God loves me and pray for peace for those I have harmed. From what i have heard it does get better...don't give up!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 567
Thanks Recoverywfaith,
What I like about the steps and the harms list, is that it is "alive", it was born from taking the steps. In other words, that list can be traced back, right back to the start of the book when the sponsor took me through it.
So the Step 4 paper work, the Step 8 list, and the Step 9 amends, are linked. Nothing is willy nilly, it's all linked from the work done.
Yeah, well, Step 10, I just need to not make things awkward I guess, why add to it? That is learning to live sober it seems.
What I like about the steps and the harms list, is that it is "alive", it was born from taking the steps. In other words, that list can be traced back, right back to the start of the book when the sponsor took me through it.
So the Step 4 paper work, the Step 8 list, and the Step 9 amends, are linked. Nothing is willy nilly, it's all linked from the work done.
Yeah, well, Step 10, I just need to not make things awkward I guess, why add to it? That is learning to live sober it seems.
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