Endigar 544 ~ Repairing the Damage
From Today’s Daily Reflections;
Good judgment, a careful sense of timing, courage and prudence – these are the qualities we shall need when we take Step Nine. (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 83)
To make amends can be viewed two ways: first, that of repairing damage, for if I have damaged my neighbor’s fence, I “make a mend,” and that is a direct amend; the second way is by modifying my behavior, for if my actions have harmed someone, I make a daily effort to cause no further harm. I “mend my ways,” and that is an indirect amend. Which is the best approach? The only right approach, provided that I am causing no further harm in so doing, is to do both. If harm is done, then I simply “mend my ways.” To take action in this manner assures me of making honest amends.
END OF QUOTE
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My alcoholism has the power to do damage to me and to others who become involved with me. My disease used my power as a living being to destroy. I became powerless, not because I had no power, but because I surrendered that power to a pathological relationship. Once surrendered, I am enslaved.
My sobriety has the power to strengthen me and to encourage others who become involved with me. My solution uses my power as a living being to further empower. I become powerful, not because I had the power as an isolated being, but because I surrendered that power to a God of my own understanding. Once surrendered, I experience freedom.
The amends process is the practical expression of this new reality for me.
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