Working the Steps

Step 8 : We make a list of all persons we have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all.

My experience with step 8 went the path of early AA's.

"We made it (the list) when we took inventory." (BB step 8)

However, during a score of years after those words were published, AAs observed that some folks harmed were not resented, feared or sex objects - (the three parts of the Big Book inventory format.)

A significant update appeared in 12&12's step 8. About the amends list, "To a degree, he has already done this when taking moral inventory, but now the time has come when he ought to redouble his efforts to see how many people he has hurt, and in what ways."

The 12&12 discusses emotional and other damage to those not necesarily resented, feared or romanced. We sincerely intended to love many people, but actually abused them at times with our "isms".

About ten years ago, I added OUR LIFES NAMES in front of step 4 notebooks. It is a "master index" of our lives inspired by that 12&12 direction that, "he ought to redouble his efforts..............."

I may be in a minority that has added a master index to the front of the 4th step inventory. It's use, however, is well received. Our Life's Names appears to unclutter and calm the minds of 4 thru 9 steppers. When in doubt, put the name down.
Simple !

Each time a name, principle or institution pops into mind, we add it in the 3 columns on both sides of ten pages in the front of the inventory book.
Obvious resentments are processed with the Big Book Step 4 outline.

Gradually, we see our part and the harms to others.

We add an "A" beside the name in "Our Life's Names."

Little by little, we gain understanding of subtler harms to others we did not resent or romance. The 12&12 adds to the Big Book about less obvious behaviors that affect relations with others.

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