![]() We drink and use to cover up our own feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, and shame. ![]() Because of these invalid perceptions, we react in unhealthy, self-destructive ways. There is an old acronym in recovery that signifies what “fear” is – False Evidence Appearing Real, meaning that another characteristic of addiction is being controlled by distorted or untrue perceptions about ourselves, our own value as human beings, our disease of addiction, and our ability to get better. – and still working with what we have been given to live the best life we possibly can. It means realizing the reality of what life has given us – genes predisposed to addiction, a difficult childhood, everyday stress, etc. Acceptance, on the other hand, means making the best of what we have. In recovery, an example of this would be trying to control our consumption of drugs or alcohol when the very definition of addiction is that we have no such power. Denial is an extension of our own stubborn egos – a futile attempt to reject what IS to chase after what we DESIRE. Acceptance Refers to Taking What is OfferedĪnother characteristic of addiction is denial – refusing to believe what is plainly evident. Some would even say that serenity is the goal of recovery. It means remaining calm and true to yourself, regardless of what else is going on. ![]() Serenity, on the other hand, is a positive state of mind where you are untroubled by life’s ups and downs. We offer outpatient assistance, so you can maintain your work, family, and life commitments while getting the help you deserve!” Serenity Refers to Inner PeaceĪddiction is characterized by chaos, loss of control, and emotional turmoil. But what do these words – serenity, acceptance, courage, and wisdom really MEAN? Let’s take a closer look at each. ![]() Early on in rehab, newly-sober addicts and alcoholics are taught to recite this prayer whenever they feel overwhelmed or tempted. Then, in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace in our heart.“ 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.” ~ theologian Reinhold Niebuhr Recovery and 12-Step Fellowship Meetings around the world often begin in the same way – with the assembled group reciting the Serenity Prayer together. O Lord, support us all the day long, until shadows lengthen and the evening comes, until the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Give me the love to make each moment an anticipation of living forever with you. Give me the hope to trust you enough so that I may forget past failures and future trials. Give me the faith to know that each moment contains exactly what is best for me. You give me today – one moment at a time. Make it a day in which we grow more in knowing and in carrying out your will.ĭear God, I spend so much time reliving yesterday or anticipating tomorrow that I lose sight of the only time that is really mine the present moment. Lord, bless this day for me and for all of us. May nobody be unhappy because of anything I have done, or anything I have failed to do. When night comes, may I look back on this day without regret. Rather, let me help, at least a little, to make life more pleasant for those I meet. Let me do nothing today that would harm anyone. May I not be turned in on myself, but be sensitive and helpful to others. This day is full of beauty and adventure: help me to be fully alive to it all.ĭuring this day,may I become a more thoughtful person, a more prayerful person, a more generous and kindly person. This day is full of mystery and of the unknown: help me to face it without fear and anxiety. Lord, this day is full of promise and of opportunity help me to waste none of it. I thank you for the chance to begin life all over again. I thank you for the sleep that has refreshed me. I thank you for the gift of being alive this morning. It is your gift to me – the first day of the rest of my life. Amen.” (by Reinhold Niebuhr, Theologian.) Below t ext quoted from Matt Talbot’s “In The Spirit Of Our Program Prayers For A Retreat ~ 2017 Edition. Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will and that I may be reasonable happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him in the next. Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Living one day at a time enjoying one moment at a time accepting hardship as the pathway to peace. “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. Join Vince every Wednesday at noon (Live and Zoom) and 7 pm (Zoom only). Vince DiPasquale, in his weekly lecture, encouraged all to read the long version of The Serenity Prayer that can be found below.
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