A personal awakening.

Source: (2010) Reflexions past, present and future. Restorative Justice Week 2010. Correctional Services of Canada.

In the fall of 2009, I had the opportunity to become involved in Restorative Justice workshops at the federal institution where I am currently incarcerated; and through this process learn a rich and rewarding language that allows me to express this change. I now have a deeper understanding of words such as respect, compassion, dignity, honesty, openness, fairness, and equality. I also have a greater appreciation of the need for accountability, safety, inclusion, and interaction. By attending these workshops I am learning to nurture the seeds of hope that have been sown in my heart. I am better able to recognize, understand, and acknowledge all of my victims, as well as the harms that I have done them; respect the time and space that their healing will require and allow them that right; commit to working through the challenges that will present themselves throughout this process, and utilize the tools that I am developing to overcome them. Through this work I am striving to return some sense of safety and trust to my relationships with my family and my community. (excerpt)