My sponsor told me to consider Step Nine as the Step where the rubber hits the road. The previous eight Steps were obviously very important but here is where, with his guidance, I would start to repair some of the wreckage strewn behind me from my years 'out there.' He made three points very clear: 1. That I could not hurt another just so I could fulfil an amend on a list. 2. That I could not make an amend that needed to be made by talking myself into thinking or saying that it would hurt another. 3. That forgiveness of others whom I resented was the critical last part of the Step, so that by the end of Step Nine (if there ever really is an end) I would be free of the rope that bound me to the harms done by me and to me. Numbers one and two above took lots of guidance and checks and I am forever grateful that my sponsor had the wisdom and time to be such a wonderful, patient mentor. With regard to number three, I can honestly say I still work on that part. I know resentments are lethal in our disease, and I need to work on that from time to time, although less so than in the past. I had to work long and hard on this Step but like Steps Three, Four, Five and Seven, felt such a wonderful spiritual release when I finished ... for the time being anyway. The last part of my thinking about Step Nine is that reading it always makes me think of the Promises, read many times at many meetings. I was indeed amazed before I was halfway through, I did find a new freedom and a new happiness, etc.
IAIN B, Living Sober Group, Green Street, Ayr