Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.  Spiritual Principle: Self-Discipline

Assignment 1:

1. Read, highlight, and jot down questions/comments from Into Action, page 76, second paragraph, “Now we need more action…” through the first paragraph on page 84, ending with “They will always materialize if we work for them.” of the Big Book.
2. Read, highlight, and jot down questions/comments from the AA 12 & 12, Step 8.
3. Write a list of the names of people to whom you owe an amends. Use your fourth step inventory to develop this list.

 

Assignment 2:

1. Step 8 is all about developing the willingness to make amends. There are many obstacles to being willing.
   • The AA 12 & 12 on page 78 tells us: “These obstacles, however, are very real. The first, and one of the most difficult, has to do with forgiveness. The moment we ponder a twisted or broken relationship with another person, our emotions go on the defensive. To escape looking at the wrongs we have done another, we resentfully focus on the wrong he has done us. This is especially true if he has, in fact, behaved badly at all. Triumphantly we seize upon his misbehavior as the perfect excuse for minimizing or forgetting our own.”
   • There are also other obstacles to being willing such as fear, pride, shame, blame and trauma.
   • The AA 12 & 12 on page 80 also tells us: “Calm, thoughtful reflection upon personal relations can deepen our insight. We can go far beyond those things which were superficially wrong with us, to see those flaws which were basic, flaws which sometimes were responsible for the whole pattern of our lives.”
2. For each of your proposed amends, write out the following:
   • What obstacle do you have for being willing to make amends?
   • What did this person do to you? What do you need to forgive this person for?
   • What personal flaw of yours is involved with this situation?
   • What kind of amends are you going to make (face-to-face, living, written, etc.)?
3. Make an appointment with your sponsor to go over the Big Book reading (pages 76 – 84) and to discuss your potential amends with your sponsor.

 

Optional Extra Credit:

1. Read A Study Guide for Overeaters, Step 8.
2. Listen to one or more of these OA podcasts/videos.
   • Step 8 by Larry K. from A Design for Living
   • Step Eight from “The Importance of Working All Twelve Steps” Podcast Series
   • Into Action: Step 8 by Janet Z. from Choose your Own Conception: OA Big Book Study
   • Into Action: Step 8 by Pete B. from Choose your Own Conception: OA Big Book Study
   • Into Action: Step 8 by Victoria W. from Choose your Own Conception: OA Big Book Study

 

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE COMPLETED STEP 8. YOU ARE READY FOR STEP 9.