Step Nine
" We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others."
This step should not be avoided. If we do, we are reserving a place in our program for relapse. Pride, fear and procrastination often seem an inpossible barrier; they stand in the way of progress and growth. The important thing is to take ACTION and to be ready to accept the reaction of those persons we have harmed.
Step 9 is also one of the most difficult to actually do. It's one thing to make a list of the people we've hurt as we did in Step 8 – but quite another to go to those people in person or in writing, and actually admit what we've done and work to make it right – with an
apology and, if warranted,
restitution.
It should be our intention to resolve the disturbances that we encounter. This act of restoration will eliminate our regretful feelings. The faults of our past are now brought to light for the healing process to take place. No longer does shame and guilt have to inhibit our forward growth.
TB