You may know someone that has gone through recovery from addiction. That person might even be you. That journey is difficult to say the least. So many are impacted by addiction and recovery. And oftentimes, the relapse. This will not only test your ability to love the addict, but also, your desire to support them long term. It can be a very scary place. There is something quite special about recovery. The 12 Steps. The community one builds within the programs. Recovery provides a framework.
According to the American Addition Center (AAC)
12-step programs are powerful peer support groups that help people recover from substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, and sometimes other co-occurring mental health conditions.Apr 19, 2023
There is quite the reliance on faith in programs. The belief in a higher power, in God. And channeling that from within. Hence, the Serenity Prayer. Which was only born in the 1950’s. Yet, it has saved millions of lives. Not just the addict themselves, but the loved ones in the life of the addict.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
These addiction programs work. As the saying goes within these circles, it works, if you work it. Meaning if you work the program, walk the steps, and do what you need to do, it will work. The addict will come out the other side in a better place to fight and beat addiction. We know that this is not an easy path or a predictable one. However, it works, if they work it.
I recently discovered a different version of the serenity prayer that struck me:
Higher power grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change. The courage to change the one I can. And the wisdom to know that one is me.
Whether you believe in God is not the purpose of the blog today. However, the common theme between these serenity prayers today is the empowerment it gives the addict. Or in the case of this last version I shared above, the power it gives us ALL. We are in control. Not some substance. Not the government or your crappy boss. Not your spouse who comes off as controlling or dominant.
Acceptance.
Courage.
Wisdom.
Extremely valuable virtues to live by.
There are things within and outside of our control. This is where change starts. Accepting, willingly, all things. People. Circumstances. Yourself. Acceptance is the foundation of change.
Courage, the ability to put your ass on the line for what is right and just. To go fight against your demons. To defend yourself from those who harm you. To keep waking up early or staying up late for your goal. To live the life you desire. To have a career of your choosing. To marry a person of the same sex. To be in pain but still keep going. Through courage, change is possible.
Wisdom, a life long pursuit and why this blog exists. The ability to never stop learning. The desire to be a student of life. Wisdom only becomes that when you can use it for good and share it with others. Knowing that all changes, starts from within you first. It starts with serenity; calm, peace, without trouble. Without wisdom there would be no way to learn what it is that needs change to begin with. Addiction or otherwise. Knowing you don’t know it all. That you don’t have all the answers. Wisdom, to know that it all starts and ends with you.
Thought Provoking Question 1 : What can wisdom do for you as you seek change?
Dan Roman is a Husband, Father, and writer that releases a daily blog. A quick read on sharing wisdom and asking though-provoking questions.
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