“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

– Introduction to MA: A Meeting Format in a Pamphlet, MA pamphlet

As a practicing pot addict, I was quite successful at getting nowhere fast. I was constantly moving mentally, which kept me one step ahead of my shadow. It was difficult for me to remain present emotionally because I was not processing my feelings and I was living in fear and denial. I had become comfortable being miserable. In early recovery, I found that the Serenity Prayer allowed me relief from my frayed being. It became my favorite tool. So easy, so immediate, was my respite. Its simplicity strengthened my resolve to move forward; one day at a time. It offers acceptance, courage, and wisdom. By becoming willing to bring a power greater than myself into my life, I was gaining more than I was giving up.

I cannot begin changing myself until I let go of the things I cannot change. For me, acceptance is a daily practice. Learning to feel and accept my feelings, good and bad alike, in real time affords me some perspective, some peace. Serenity begins to settle in as I slow down the internal dialogue. I calm down enough to summon my courage to start the hard work of actually changing the things I can. Attempting to change things beyond my control is exhausting and counterproductive. As I learn to distinguish the difference between what I can and cannot change, my daily outlook and attitude improves. Wisdom does, in fact, quietly sneak up on me when I practice honesty and service.

Final thought: Today, I will be aware of that which I have the power to change and keep it simple.