“When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation—some fact of my life —unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God’s world by mistake." (pg. 417)
Once that statement really and truly penetrated my stubborn being I was free. Game changer for sure! Where I live. Who I live with. Who died. Who drank. Who did this to me. What I did to them. Why does my sister have cerebral palsy. Why did dad abandon me. Why the innocent are harmed. Why was I hurt. EVERYTHING is for a reason even if I don't like it.
I could either accept whatever it is (not condone or support it) or keep fighting and be offended my entire life by what is.
I could spend my life in mourning, frustration and confusion, or I can take up my bed and walk each day.
I can grow from these experiences and pray for those who are still going through it.
I could either accept that person just as there are, or keep obsessing on them and wishing they would change to make me feel safe.
I could either hyper focus on the things I can not change, or I can change me and my perception. I can learn a skill or find a hobby.
Each day I have another opportunity to learn, grow and serve. OR, I can obsess, throw fits, stay in delusion and confusion, and complain. I was given a new sober life. What am I gonna do with it today? Should I spin, nut out, about what you are or are not doing to make me feel ok? I did that, and it doesn't work.
Practice, prayer, due diligence, gratitude, honesty, facing my fears, accepting that people are sick. That this world is twisted. But- I get to observe it now, not participate or react to it in a negative way anymore. What can I bring to my home, my community and AA?
"God remove all my obsessions with others and things I have zero control over that I may focus on my primary purpose for you getting me sober and for giving me another day here. Teach me to trust you. Teach me what Courage really means. What do you want me to do today???"