“Together, we find strength and clarity.”
-Irving Powless, Sr., ONONDAGA
We gather in a circle, sharing our perspectives on a single object placed in the center. Each of us sees a different angle, a unique view—none wrong, all valuable. As we listen to each other, we draw a clearer, more complete picture of the object before us. This collaborative effort brings us closer to understanding and wisdom, fostering a sense of gratitude and unity among us.
Similarly, when newcomers step into a gathering, they find themselves among individuals who have walked similar paths, faced similar struggles, and found a way to recovery. The room, once intimidating, transforms into a space of shared experience and collective strength. Each story told is a piece of a larger picture, contributing to a robust tapestry of hope and resilience.
Among these diverse voices, we find the courage to trust in a higher power and in each other. Our collective experiences illuminate the path forward, ensuring we do not have to journey alone. Just as each person’s point of view in the circle is crucial, so is every story of recovery. It is through this shared wisdom that we navigate our way to a better life, one day at a time.
Just for today, let us embrace the unity and clarity that comes from sharing our experiences and perspectives. Together, we recover, and together, we thrive.