So I've lived with myself for 41 years. And in looking back on the last 41 years, there's a few things I like, a few things I have to accept that I might not like, and a few things I have the capacity to change.
The serenity prayer...the one that goes "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"...well, even as a seeker I can't argue with that prayer. And, for me, attaining wisdom is the hardest part.
I've spent a big part of my lifetime thus far trying to change things that were outside of my control.
I remember a time (a long time ago) when I dated someone who was an alcoholic. I didn't really know at that time what an alcoholic was. I thought people could stop drinking when they wanted to. I really didn't understand what addiction was. In speaking with a counselor at a sober living home he ended up in after a couple DUI's...I kept talking about my ex's "problem" and how I could make life better for him and I could change him and provide him a suitable environment to be sober. Problem was...my ex didn't think he had a problem. So really, the only person who had a drinking problem was me.At that time, I learned I couldn't change his life but I could change my participation in it.
That was a great lesson...but one that many people (especially women) seem to forget constantly. We can't make life better for other adults...young children, yes...but not grown up people. And yet we still have the idea that we can change circumstances beyond our control. Even with my many life experiences...I still forget this lesson.
This is where I need wisdom.
Somehow I need to figure out those things I have control of...and let go of the rest. As an "interested" and "aware" person in society...I need to really focus on creating a positive world for myself and hope that what I do will impact others in a positive way.
Wisdom...that's what I'll try to focus on as I go thru my days.
I wonder how poor Atlas feels carrying the world on his shoulders? Well, better Atlas than me :-)
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