Step 8

🧭 Step 8: Preparing to Make Amends

Official Wording:

“Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.”

💬 What It Means

This step is about facing the ripple effects of your past behavior with accountability and empathy. It doesn’t mean rushing into apologies—it means preparing yourself emotionally and thoughtfully.

Core ideas include:

• Making a complete list of people you've hurt—through words, actions, neglect, or addiction-related behavior.

• Cultivating willingness to make things right, even if you're unsure how yet.

• Recognizing that healing involves others, not just yourself.

📝 Journaling Prompts for Step 8

• Who have I harmed through my addiction or behaviors—directly or indirectly?

• What were the circumstances and motivations behind those actions?

• What feelings come up as I think about making amends—fear, guilt, hope, reluctance?

• What would making amends look like for each person—what feels possible, what doesn’t?

🪞 Sample Reflection Entry

“As I write this list, I feel a mix of regret and hope. There are people I’ve hurt, and some I pushed away completely. I’m not sure if I can fix everything—but I can show up differently now. Just being willing feels like a start.”

📜 Step 8 Amends List Builder

You can start by listing names under three categories. This helps organize your thoughts and clarify your emotional readiness:

Category

Description

Examples

Direct Harm

People you’ve hurt through actions or words

Family, friends, coworkers

Neglect or Absence

Relationships affected by withdrawal or avoidance

Children, partners, loved ones

Indirect Impact

People affected indirectly—through addiction or instability

Employers, neighbors, community

You can create this list privately in a notebook, journal, or document. Start with who comes to mind, and keep adding as memories resurface.

🧘 Visualization – “The Bridge of Willingness”

Imagine standing at the edge of a wide river. On the other side is healing and reconciliation. To cross, you begin laying planks—each one representing a name on your list. Some planks feel heavy. Others slip. But the more you place, the stronger the bridge becomes. You’re building something brave—not perfect, but meaningful. You step forward, one act of willingness at a time.

💌 Mantra for Step 8

“I face the truth of my past with courage. I am willing to repair what I can. I hold space for forgiveness, starting with myself.”