A favorite hobby for many of us is to make life harder than it is meant to be. For some reason, we like to fight the chaos, uncertainty, and uncontrollable nature of life. We set expectations on ourselves, place them on others, and agonize over unwanted outcomes. The fact is life was never intended to be lived this way. There is a simplicity to capturing the peace and serenity of life, and it comes through living based on three simple yet powerful words – acceptance, courage, and wisdom.
As we have heard, "acceptance is the answer." Why, because it allows the present moment to be perfect. It verifies that we are exactly where we are supposed to be at this very moment in time. When we let the emotions of life burden us, it is generally because we have failed to accept life on life's terms. This failure prohibits us from choosing where to go next. Acceptance grants us the choice to find those opportunities that inspire, and it keeps us far away from the "what ifs" or "should haves" that carry little value. Through acceptance, we earn independence to be who we want to be, and this independence can be found nowhere else. Most of all, it allows us to recognize that there are many things we cannot change, and that there are even more that we can.
We can all change what we don't like; it is merely a matter of if we are going to act. When we choose to act, it must be with courage that initiates change and guarantees follow through on what we set out to do. We are all blessed with the talents, intelligence, and ability to transform our lives into ones we can be proud of. However, becoming this person takes courage. Courage to be honest, humble, and selfless. Courage to be open, committed, and willing. Courage to listen, trust, and, most importantly, do what is right even when it is hard, uncomfortable, and no fun.
The wisdom to know the difference is granted to us naturally, but unfortunately, we have let outside influences, rationalization, and our addiction suppress it. You know the difference between right and wrong, so you have the wisdom to get to where you want to go. It simply comes down to whether you will act on this wisdom with a purposeful intent rooted in those core principles that satisfy your soul. If you make that choice, the choice to do the next right thing, you will find the answer to all your problems, you will find the serenity of life.
We all have a definition of what the perfect life could be, but the truth is, we really don't want life to be this rigid. Our so-called perfect life would most likely be boring. The human brain is starving for growth, excitement, and learning, and the uncontrollability of life allows us to feed this hunger. When we choose to employ acceptance, courage, and wisdom in all we do, we provide the mind, body, and spirit with precisely what it wants, which results in a life we never thought possible; a life that we love.
The Serenity Prayer is the perfect guide to living life how it is meant to be lived:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
The courage to change the things that I can.
And, the wisdom to know the difference.
About Choice Recovery
Choice Recovery is an outpatient alcohol and drug treatment center located in the South East Valley near the 101 and US60 interchange. We offer IOP and other outpatient services including a MAT Titration Support group for those building their recovery through medicine assisted treatment. Choice Recovery offers IOP services in the morning and at night on Monday through Thursday and on Saturday.
Choice Recovery programming focuses on the individual rather than solely on the disease of addiction. Our integrated whole-body approach to care goes far beyond the "why" someone turns to drugs and alcohol, but to a focus on building a life that you love. Choice Recovery accepts AHCCCS insurance, including Mercy Care, Banner University, Care 1st and others. For more information about Choice Recovery programming, please call 480-527-0337 or email us at admin@choiceiop.com.
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