We try to remember that when we make amends we are doing it for ourselves.
Basic Text, p. 41
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As long as we still owe amends, our spirits are cluttered with things we dont need. Were carrying the extra load of an apology owed, a resentment held, or unexpressed remorse. Its like having a messy house. We could leave so we dont have to see the mess, or maybe just step over the piles of debris and pretend they arent there. But ignoring the disorder wont make it disappear. In the end, the dirty dishes, the crumb-filled carpet, and the overflowing wastebaskets are still there, waiting to be cleaned up.
A cluttered spirit is just as hard to live with as a messy home. We always seem to be tripping over yesterdays leavings. Every time we turn around and try to go somewhere, there is something blocking our path. The more we neglect our responsibility to make amends, the more cluttered our spirits become. And we cant even hire someone to clean up. We have to do the work ourselves.
We gain a deep sense of satisfaction from making our own amends. Just as we would feel after weve cleaned our homes and have time to enjoy a bit of sunshine through sparkling windows, so will our spirits rejoice at our freedom to truly enjoy our recovery. And once the big mess is cleaned up, all we have to do is pick up after ourselves as we go along.
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Just for today: I will clear away whats cluttering my spirit by making the amends I owe.
Our 9th step helps us with our guilt and others with their anger.The freedom gained from doing an honest and thorough 5th and 9th step ,for me, was absolutely life changing and an immense movement closer to the God of my understanding.These steps will continue on through life as "more is always revealed"when we continue to search our hearts.Truly a "solution" to our exact nature of character defects and shortcomings. Today I am strong enough to make amends from my heart..
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
