The Serenity Prayer
I write about in my memoir about the moments of foreshadowing—where others experiencing parental suicide now stand out to me, as an adult…knowing what my own life would be.
So, perhaps it is fitting also that the serenity prayer is a prayer that I have always loved. It resonated with me.
Maybe this is because it is true that I was just always an alcoholic, as many in AA say that they knew that they were.
Perhaps.
But I also think it’s because I was the child of an alcoholic before I evolved into an alcoholic myself.
And as the child of an alcoholic, the hero role, I worried. I had to manage things. I performed well. I had to look good for the family—such was the role that I assumed.
Therefore, a reminder—since I believed in God, always—that there were things that were beyond my control, was a very helpful reminder for me—-even in my childhood anxiety.
Perhaps another interesting foreshadowing moment for my life as it would become and evolve into adulthood.
I also always resonated with the Matthew verse about worrying. Because I am, have always been and probably will always be a worrier.
I do it less—after medication and therapy and sobriety and a renewed faith, after my spiritual awakening.
But—I still do it. I have to center myself.
The serenity prayer helps.
Perhaps I am biased, but, in general, I think it’s a good reminder to anyone—even atheists—even if a deity is not your jam—
Just a reminder that, even if you don’t believe in God, you’re not God.
And that not everything is in your control.
Focusing on what we can do and surrendering or letting go of the rest is really important for many of us to know, to remember, to center.
Because for some of us, if we forget, it can make us crazy.
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Wishing you peace and serenity and surrender today.