my daily reflections…

not only does the perseverance of step 10 ask me to keep a watchful eye on the things i say and do, when i am aware of wrong or hurtful words or behaviors, i must also remain willin to make amends for those discrepancies. not always am i aware right away that i may have said or done somethin that touched a person in a harmful way. though i am quite astute to my own feelins and senses, if i am not made aware of a harmful word or action, i cannot offer restitution. this doesnt mean i walk around blindly doin as i wish whenever or however i feel, but it does mean that even though im doin my best to practice and live the spiritual principles ive been taught, im prone to makin a mistake, as i am human. when and if i have made, or become, aware i have said or done somethin, it then becomes my responsibility to approach the person i may have harmed and admit my wrong word or action and offer reparation for it. this means i use a level of humility i used to not have. it is a level of faith, courage, willingness, and integrity that i have learned from the steps. i must use true tolerance and understandin. and as difficult as they may be to grasp and use, i must continue to strive for them. amelia earhart was once quoted as sayin, "courage is the price that life exacts for grantin peace." when i affirm courage in my life, i get to live with peace of mind. and often times a simple, quaint, apology may not be enough. apologies tend to heal and bridge the gap, makin an amends an easier process for me to commit to. when i feel good about myself, have set healthy boundaries, can effectively cope with my own emotions, i can make a proper apology and follow through with an amends that benefits the others and myself addin to the integrity ive been growin within. i get to be clear and healthy in my apologies and amends, takin responsibility for my actions and nobody elses. my HP will help me figure out what i need to apologize and make amends for and what is not my responsibility. when i am aware of my wrong doin, i must be responsible for my words and behaviors and make the appropriate amends as soon as possible. its been my experience that when i am willin to place spiritual growth first in all my activities, rather than instinct, i dont get pulled backward into disillusionment. i can persevere doin what is sane, balanced, and healthy for all involved. 1 day @ a time...