The opening quote came to me as I was reflecting on the last thirteen months of my life.
I have every reason to sit for a spell on the pity pot, remain static, and be miserable–but instead, I’ve chosen to try and grow through this intense moment…for it simply is a moment that will eventually pass.
I haven’t always been this way.
At about this time thirty-three years ago, I was in early sobriety and was lamenting on my current state of circumstances at an AA discussion meeting. I was pretty miserable and was stressing over lots of personal issues, situations, and people.
Then a friend at that meeting looked me in the eye and said something like this, “You are allowing your serenity to be controlled by other people, places, and things. Until you learn to not allow that to happen you may never learn how to live sober.”
Boom!
Today I know it’s my choice whether or not I allow circumstances outside my control to rent space in my brain.
Today I know my serenity is dependent upon me and not other people, places, and things.
With every painful situation in life comes the opportunity to be miserable or to grow.
I always write from experience.
Ecclesiastes 8:6, “For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him.”
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
