“Let us put our minds together as one.” - Irving Powless, Sr., ONONDAGA
In our circle of fellowship, we come with different perspectives, but with a common purpose - recovery and growth. As we each share our point of view, we contribute to a more complete understanding of our collective journey. This unity allows us to see beyond our individual experiences, giving thanks for the clarity and wisdom that emerges when our hearts and minds come together.
When we first arrive in the fellowship, we often feel shaken and confused. We look around and see a unique group of individuals who have suffered and found their path to recovery. Their stories, shared openly and honestly, provide us with hope. If the program worked for them, it can work for us too. Though we may initially doubt, we soon realize that it is the transformation in our lives today that matters. Our meetings are filled with individuals whose lives have turned around, demonstrating that recovery is possible against all odds.
Just as newcomers eventually see the change in others and find hope, each of us can trust in our collective Higher Power and the fellowship. By faithfully working the program, freedom from active addiction and a better way of life are within our reach.
The journey begins with an essential step: our Step-One surrender. Many of us come to the fellowship unsure if we truly belong, questioning if our bottoms were severe enough. As we work through the Step Working Guides with our sponsor, we confront our disease: the dishonesty, denial, manipulation, law-breaking, and compulsive behaviors that have rendered our lives unmanageable. This honest reflection is the beginning of surrender, a pivotal moment that opens the door to recovery.
In an ideal world, this moment of surrender is one from which we never look back. For some, it’s immediate; for others, the process is gradual. Yet, the opportunity to recover is always present in the fellowship. Some may relapse, hitting lower bottoms before they surrender again, while others may not return.
But for those of us who choose to stay, our continual surrender and willingness to listen to multiple perspectives, like looking at an object from different angles in a circle, enrich our recovery. We realize that everyone’s viewpoint contributes to a fuller understanding and support of one another.
Just for today, let us honor the unmanageable parts of our lives and our obsessions. Let us surrender these to our Higher Power, knowing that together, in our shared circle of fellowship, we will grow and recover.
We do recover. United, we put our minds together as one, fostering well-being and spiritual awakening across all boundaries.