Seeking Serenity

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

I remember when I heard the serenity prayer for the first time. It was like a beautiful wakeup call - and just the one I needed. I mean, I’d heard the prayer many times before, but never quite like this.

It was in an Al-Anon meeting about 8 years ago. I was stressed and hurt that someone I thought I loved, a man that I was dating at the time, was suffering at the hands of alcoholism, and he was in no way helping himself to get out.

So when I heard this prayer, in this context, it clicked.

I cannot and should not change him. And that is something that I must accept.

This concept rocked my reality and has served as a guiding post for where I focus my energy. So much so, that years later, I got the word serenity tattooed on my wrist – to serve as a gentle reminder for myself, and those who wanted to see it.

I'm dedicated to seeking serenity. Or in other words, to be calm and at peace.

So what’s this serenity thing all about? Let’s do a little digging and see what we can come up with.

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change

I struggle with this a lot, as I’m sure you do too. There are so many times where I want to “fix” or “help” someone else or make a situation better.

But as I've learned through countless experiences, there’s great peace in understanding and accepting that there are certain things that will never be in your control – and often, these things have nothing to do with you.

The acceptance part is SO important. Grasping what things are not yours to “change” is the biggest blessing. Because you free up space in your mind, heart and soul – space in time and in your life, to focus on what you can change.

Which brings us to...

The courage to change the things I can

It’s a convenient scape goat to focus on what other people need to change or the problems of this world that are so big, they make us feel helpless.

But ultimately, the only things we ever need to change are the things in our own realities that aren’t in alignment with who we are. That’s where our energies are best spent.

Focusing on what we can change, is empowering and it’s part of your growth. It’s how you evolve, how you create and how you inspire.

You and I have to know, that as we focus on shifting the things that we do, say, think and believe towards the positive end of the spectrum, that this is where we can impact the greatest change in the world. It all starts with the self.

The wisdom to know the difference between the two

This will make all the difference in your life. Because it’s great that you know you can’t change everything, and it’s equally great that you have the courage to change the things you can, but you can’t get anywhere without knowing the difference between the two.

And this is unique to everyone.

I can tell you that one of the greatest lessons I've ever learned was that I couldn’t and shouldn’t change anyone but myself.

And as I get clear on my own solutions, and change the things that are not in alignment with my true self, I find myself closer to the place where I can guide, support and inspire others to seek their own serenity.

Peace, love and seeking serenity,

Diana

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