In the Rooms of AA, we often hear, “I was at the top of my amends list,” or “first we have to make amends to ourselves” and “I have to forgive myself first.”
amends
A Powerful Spot Check
The AA meeting last month was a game changer. The topic was Step Ten, and the meeting focused on spot inventories; people shared how they caught themselves and said “I’m sorry” right away.
If You Are Inside the Jar
It was a regular meeting of lawyers in AA. The topic of the meeting was making amends, Step #9.
The first speaker started us off. He took an unusual tack. He commented on Bill Wilson’s rarely quoted observation that we could and should squeeze as much self-knowledge as possible out of the amend process when making amends.
Unscripted
I was in Alabama at my Wednesday AA meeting. A speaker meeting.
The speaker told the story of a newcomer he met years earlier. The newcomer, holidaying in Gulf Shores, had called AA for help. He was passed on to our speaker for a Twelve Step call. They met for coffee.
Caragana Resentments
I was talking with a sponsee one day. We were talking about resentments—feelings of bitter indignation over perceived harm or damage. We were standing on the sidewalk in a pleasant neighbourhood. Near a well-groomed yard with a big hedge.
Persistence
In these times of panic and stress, we have an opportunity to exercise Program principles… in all our affairs. Our workmates can see our victory over difficulties. Our families can see our patience, tolerance, and calm. Our neighbours can see we are living to serve others.