ODAT Oct.5

[lildee]

When I say the Serenity Prayer, over and over again, I could fall into the habit of merely parroting the words without being aware of their meaning. This would blunt one of my most useful Al-Anon tools. If I think of the meaning of each phrase as I say it, my understanding will grow and along with it my capability to realize the difference between what I can change, and what I cannot.

The prayer states first that there are elements in my life which I have no power to change; my serenity depends upon my accepting them. The more I fight them, the more they will torment me. "Courage to change the things I can" gives me unlimited freedom to work on those elements which are my concern.

Today's Reminder

The Serenity Prayer suggests I ask God for "courage to change the things I can." The word is things, not people. True, there is much room for improvement in my life, but it can come only from changing my own attitudes and actions for the better.

"In every problem, great and small Serenity Prayer will work for me if I keep aware of its meaning every time I say it."

[lildee]

For me when I came into the Program I had no idea what the Serenity Prayer was or what it was about. But there were words in it that caught my eye and my heart. Words like Serenity and Change and God. All things that were foreign to me as my world of chaos raged on. For months it became my mantra. Saying the words over and over, without the appreciation nor understanding of this simple directive prayer. Then one day I actually sat and read the words. It clicked. It gave me the direction that I needed to find some peace in this insane world of addiction. It opened the door for choices and changes and peace. The simplistic beauty of this prayer is a way of life, which will ultimately lead to peace and happiness.

[lildee]

For those of you who have not read the long version of the Serenity Prayer I am posting it. Read the words and let it fill your mind and hearts with understanding:-

The Serenity Prayer

(long version}

GOD, grant me the

Serenity

to accept the things I cannot change

Courage

to change the

things I can and the

Wisdom

to know the difference.


Living One day at a time

Enjoying one moment at a time

Accepting hardship as the

pathway to peace.......


Taking, as He did, this

sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it.


Trusting that He will make

all things right if I

surrender to His Will.........



That I maybe reasonably happy

in this life, and supremely

happy with Him forever in the next .


---Amen---




By Reinhold Neibuhr

[Tiger]

Excuse me for "sticking my nose in"

The Serenity Prayer tells me:

99% of the things I can not change lie outside of myself (people, places and things)

99% of the things I can change lie within myself - my attidude toward these people, places and things!

Tiger

[Lin]

Thanks Lildee and tiger! Great topic!

I often say the Serenity prayer over and over when i am in a difficult situation. I say it slowly and meditate onthe words when I need to be still and focus. My favortie and most used part is ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE.....

WOW... what a new concept that was to me! Now i do it every day without even thinking about it.

Thanks Lildee!
LIN

[majestyjo]

So glad you can't wear out the Serenity Prayer. It has seen me though numerous trials trials and tribulations.

It has saved my soul, my sanity, and my sobriety.