I got a reminder today from someone, who really does not know the Serenity Prayer. Once again it is the fear of others. And the gift I had been given, as so many others have received, is the willingness of giving up control and turning it over to our Higher Power.
Once again I know that I cannot change anyone. Only myself. And even then I need the help of the Power greater than myself. My sponsor and others taught me to step back, when I run into resistance on the part of others for what I have chosen to do. I know that in the past I used to get into all kinds of struggles, but I so often lost and ended up with my resentments against them, which would tear me down, when I was drinking. But the gift of sobriety and what I have learned in here, has led me to practice the Serenity Prayer.
What I had to learn to do was to ask for the help of my Higher Power, and often others in here, to be given the help I need to change. The courage I so desperately need at times. And the willingness to step back and let go of my own desires. To pause and pray and ask for the help I need. And often get.
And that is where prayer comes in. I had to also learn to walk away from things I have really no business in. That was something I never knew in the past, when I was out there drinking alcohol. Then, even though I couldn’t, I thought I could change everything, I would continue to try, which led to deep trouble. Now I know that I need to be able to step back and let go of things I cannot do.
All this, of course, is to help protect me from slipping back into drinking alcohol again. I know that I never ever want to drink again. And I have been given the gift of this program and he people in it. And, of course, the Twelve Steps. Plus I have been given a spiritual awakening. peace and love. Happiness. The gifts of the God of my understanding. And the day at a time practice of staying sober. I am so grateful for all of this.