Not everyone we harmed was someone we were angry with. Some people just happened to be standing nearby.
Our resentment toward one person came home with us and landed on somebody else. Our drinking made people worry who had nothing to do with whatever we were running from. Our dishonesty forced other people to cover for us. Our irresponsibility created responsibilities for somebody else. The effects traveled farther than we realized.
There was collateral damage.
Step Eight helps us see that our actions rarely existed in isolation. What we did affected families, friendships, workplaces, and people who sometimes had no idea what was happening with us. That can be difficult to look at, but the purpose isn’t shame. The purpose is awareness.
We are learning that the way we live touches other people. That was true when we were sick, and thankfully, it is still true in recovery. The difference today is that what spreads outward from our lives can be something better.
Who was affected by my behavior even though they were never really part of the problem?
