Step eight is: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

By now we should have identified our shortcomings and their impact in our lives. If we aren’t ready for this step, we can go back over the preceding steps (starting with step 1) to see what we missed. We usually find we have not been totally honest with ourselves. We may have conveniently overlooked things we did that caused us or others harm. We might have discounted what we’ve neglected to do, which could have helped us or others. We may need to include our Higher Power more sufficiently in our step work.

We review the list from step four. We realize the common thread in all our problems was us. Are we ready to do what it shows us as necessary for our own well being and peace of mind?

Do I know now why I should do step eight? Am I willing to change?

Meditation for Today:

My character is the result of the decisions I’ve made I’ve the years. If I make new decisions now, based on humility, I will get better.

Affirmation for Today:

I have what I need to succeed. As I spend myself on recovery I create a better life. It is time and effort well spent.

Prayer for Today:

Lord, I know why I need to do step eight: after all, I have been the problem, and you are the solution.  Help me work through any resistance that keeps me from a closer relationship with you and my fellows.  May I include you in everything I do.

Further Reading:

The book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions is the definitive guide to all the Steps and Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.  It brings an in-depth understanding of why and how the program of recovery evolved, and how it works to this day, over sixty years after it was first published.

DA adapted the short form of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions almost word for word (with AA’s permission) and to this day DA recommends we read AA literature, (including the “Twelve and Twelve“) as a way for us to understand the disease concept.

(By clicking the book links found on this site you will be brought to the Amazon.com website.  If you choose to make a purchase there, Amazon will give us a commission.  Using these book links in no way increases your cost of purchase.  It helps us defray the costs of running this website.)