The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Today's page addresses use of the Serenity Prayer when we are losing ours. The author shares the key: keeping it focused and simple so as to avoid turning it into a stressful exercise. The perspective change is powerful.
1) Widen our acceptance: accept that all things are as they should be, find gratitude in all circumstances with the help of god/hp.
2) Ask god for the help to identify the things he wants us to change, rather than mistaking these for things we just want to change.
3) Don't obsess over the decision to accept vs change; it's all in god's hands so we don't need to rush to 'fix'/change, patience is often beneficial if our safety is not involved. If we decide to change it but it doesn't feel right, change it back...no biggie. Through prayer, meditation, reading/meetings and fellowship, god's will always emerges.
Thought for the Day: Do I apply the Serenity Prayer fully in my life?
Quote: "...I ask God for direction and wait, placing the problem in His hands. I ask for clarity in what I must do. He gives me clear direction." Having Had a Spiritual Awakening..., p. 40
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The Serenity Prayer was one of the first things I heard when I found AlAnon, and remains the most used tool. There are so many ways it can be used, and this page gives a helpful variation that focuses on reliance on our higher power and resistance to see everything as something I can change.
As I embrace recovery, I am amazed at how many things seem to turn out better when I don't mess with them at all, and let god's 'will' carry out. God does not need me to 'help', just stay out of the way most of the time.
This has allowed me to put the focus on my own attitudes, perspective, and behavior; that is where the real work is. Working to adopt healthier me allows me to see more reasons to be grateful and appreciative of those around me.
Today I will endeavor to be grateful for all of things in my life, for they are just as they are meant to be today
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks for this discussion and the sharing of your wisdom Paul I agree, the Serenity Prayer is indeed a powerful tool in my recovery tool box. Early on I obsessed over what i could change but today I leave it all in HP's capable hands and only pray for courage, serenity and wisdom- With these three magnificent tools, I can face life on life's terms (something I had no idea how to do) and live life to the fullest. Thanks for your service.
Good morning all and happy Wednesday. I too love, love, love the serenity prayer....in my recovery, it so easily reminds me who is truly in charge - not me. I too still at times want things my way and when I am able to use the serenity prayer and/or other tools in our recovery, I am often immediately aware that I am blessed, my life is good and I have exactly all that I need.
Thank you all for being a part of my journey and for your shares and service. I love that a group of people who may or may not have other things in common can come together for mutual help in recovery. How grand is that?
(((Hugs))) to all - running errands in bitter, bitter cold today and going to my meeting. My parents arrive on Saturday for almost 2 weeks and I'm excited for their visit and trying to get all done that I want to before they come. Make it a great day!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Thank you for that message. It is so true that often things turn out better if I just stay out of the way . Tough lesson to learn particularly with my children, but hp does not need my "help"
Thanks all, for your ESH on this page. The Serenity Prayer is a true multi-purpose recovery tool, so incredibly useful, powerful, and yet compact and easy to travel with...look out Leatherman! Haha...
Yes IAH, it is grand! I think of that often and am truly grateful...Hoping you got through your errands without losing an appendage, and best wishes for you while entertaining over the next two weeks. Hope they brought hats and mittens, this weekend is going to be chilly!
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Oh Paul......my dad is cold no matter if it's 50 outside of sub-zero. It's going to be darn cold and they are coming from AZ - so....they don't have a ton of winter clothes to bring! I am excited and glad that it's almost here....it's already cold and it's going to get colder before it gets warmer!!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
