Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.  

Spiritual Principle: Love


Assignment 1:

  1. Read, highlight, and jot down questions/comments from the AA 12 & 12 Step 9.
  2. Read the following Step 9 tips.
    • The Big Book suggests when making amends, “We attempt to sweep away the debris which has accumulated out of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves. If we haven’t the will to do this, we ask until it comes.” (page 76)
    • For each amends, we ask our Higher Power’s guidance for what to say. We follow the Big Book’s directions. We go to each person (or institution) in a helpful and forgiving spirit.

Under no condition do we criticize such a person or argue… We tell him that we will never get over our drinking until we have… straightened out the past. We… sweep off our side of the street realizing that nothing can be accomplished until we do so. His faults are not discussed. We stick to our own. (Big Book, page 77) If someone does throw us out of his office, we have made our demonstration, done our part. It’s water over the dam. (Big Book, page 78)

  1. Begin making your amends. Touch base with your sponsor if you have any trouble.

 

Optional Extra Credit:

  1. Read, highlight, and jot down questions/comments from A Study Guide for Overeaters, Step 9.
  2. Listen to the one or more of these OA podcasts/videos.
    • Step 9 by Harlan G. from A Design for Living
    • Step Nine from “The Importance of Working All Twelve Steps” Podcast Series”
    • Into Action: Step 9 by Lane D. from from Choose your Own Conception: OA Big Book Study
    • Into Action: Step 9 by Jenn A. from Choose your Own Conception: OA Big Book Study
    • Into Action: Step 9 by Kelly P. from Choose your Own Conception: OA Big Book Study

 

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE COMPLETED STEP 9 AND ARE NOW READY FOR STEP 10.