What Does It Mean to Make Amends?

Making amends means more than just saying “I’m sorry.” It’s a deep, intentional process of acknowledging the wrongs you have done and demonstrating a genuine willingness to change. It means stopping the cycle of blaming others to justify your behavior, letting go of rationalizations, and resisting the urge to defend yourself. Instead, you fully accept responsibility for your actions and their impact on others.

Making amends is about ongoing transformation—both in how you relate to yourself and how you engage with those you’ve hurt. It requires honesty and courage to face the truth of what you’ve done and who you’ve affected. At this stage, you take clear ownership—at least on paper—of the harm caused, naming the people and situations impacted by your behavior.

This process can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. If you’re unsure how to navigate it, I highly recommend the video download Making Amends by Lori Dravecky. It offers compassionate, practical guidance to help you take these important steps toward healing and restoration.