Step 09

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

1. Primary principle(s): humility, forgiveness, restitution, confession, patience, honesty, truthfulness, willingness
2. Other principles: courage, faith, generosity, good nature, grace, peace, love

Readings:

• Big Book pp. 76-84
• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions pp. 83-87
• “The Luckiest Mom” - February 2006AA Grapevine
• “Left-handed” - April 2007AA Grapevine
• “Obsession Progression” - June 2007AA Grapevine
• “We Are Not a Bunch of Religious Fanatics!”, November 1995 AA Grapevine

I personally think that the 9th step in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous is our most “spiritual” step.

Sounds sort of funny since the whole program is spiritual and step nine is, by most, either the most dreaded or the one sort of ignored in our recovery process.

For me, it was the step that afforded me the freedom to walk down the street without fear or dread.  It gave me the freedom to look someone, anyone, in the eye and be at peace and ease.

It offered me the skills and the willingness to become a man among men - a station in life that I’d never even aspired to since I was absolutely sure I could never measure up to that lofty goal.