How To Begin - Step Eight
 

"To get a toehold on how to proceed with this step, it is helpful to review steps four and five. Our list of resentments clearly indicates that there are many people with whom we need to set the record straight. Despite the fact that we've admitted our wrongs to God, to ourselves and to another human being, this is the first time in our program that we're actively preparing to acknowledge to others the harm we've done.

The interpersonal difficulties we've had in the past were not necessarily all our fault. Nevertheless, in Step Eight, it's our own house that need putting in order. Therefore, no matter what part others played in the situation, we need to focus only on ourselves and our own responsibility. We derive no value at all from clinging to the memory of personal slights. Nor can we afford such rationalizations as, "I would never have behaved that way if she hadn't started it," or, "He asked for it. He was so self-righteous!"

In this Step, we're trying to free ourselves from the wreckage of our own mistakes. Since we're also seeking forgiveness for the unkind, unfair and untrue things we've done in the past, our best bet is to clean up our side of the street.

In reviewing my inventory, I acknowledge that I have harmed others. "

-Step by Step