Intentions

I think I hurt some one's feelings earlier this week. If I did, it was unintentional but that doesn't matter. In the recovery program ETA we are taught that the world doesn't judge us by our intentions. The context they put that statement in is usually like this:


Sponsor: Did you go to a meeting every day this past week, as I suggested?
Pigeon: Well, almost. I was going to go...
Sponsor: It doesn't matter what you were going to do. What matters is what you did do. The world doesn't judge us by our intentions, but by our actions.

What happened this week was a little different. I was teasing someone and I don't think they took it as teasing. It doesn't matter that I didn't intend to hurt their feelings. What matters is that I probably did. So I am responsible for their being hurt and I was also taught to make amends quickly if I caused harm to another human being.

Most of you know that I love to poke fun at those who (in my opinion) think too much. Monday blog postings are dedicated to these over-thinkers. Usually in the postings, I throw in so much embellishment that others rarely know who I'm writing about. Teasing someone when others are present, is an entirely different matter and I forgot that this week.

Now what do I do? First comes step 5, admit to God, myself and another human being (you) what I did wrong. Step 6: Determine my shortcoming with this situation. Not everybody finds our quirky characteristics as delightful as do I. Also, being insensitive and/or inconsiderate. Step 7: My dear old HP, I did it again. Would you remind me of these harmful tendencies before I act on them next time? Step 8: Made a list of those I've harmed. I know who it is. Step 9: Make amends. This means I must do what I can to fix it. I must talk with the person and apologize yes, but that isn't all. I have to ask what I can do to make it right and then do whatever the offended person requests of me for this to be less hurtful. (French for take action!) I do this as soon as possible. Which means I must go now. Thank you for letting me share.

Have a good and sober day.