This is a good example of step # 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Being truthful with myself and with those around me was a huge part of my recovery. Not just to have others forgive me but to forgive myself. Shame will hold us back as well as other negative emotions and are all triggers. I had to let go of them.

I stole pills from my mother in law. I apologized. Not something I am proud of but I remember after she past, I had legitimate pain and because of my addiction, no dr would prescribe me naroctics for the pain. It was excruciating. Nerve pain damage on my right lower led. Family was cleaning out my mil home after she past and there was this ceramic teapot that nobody wanted. 4 or 5 people turned it down so as a last resort it was presented to me so I reluctantly took it. Wlile walking home, I noticed that the cover fit loosely so I lifted it up, looked inside and there were two full bottles of vicodin! I looked up at the sky and I said "Thankyou"! That was my sign that I had been forgiven. I had what I needed for legitimate pain and when they were gone, the pain magically disappeared.

Things like this happen all the time since I stopped drinking and drugging. I don't know why or how but it just does and it continues as long as I stay clean and sober!

Thats my story!

God Bless! :)

That's great sunnycat! Often the people we have harmed have already forgiven us but we won't know that until we talk to them. And if they won't forgive there is unfortunately nothing we can do.