The following examples are intended to help you in using the Serenity Prayer as part of your ongoing recovery process. It is a tool that can be used daily when seeking the help of your Higher power. The exercise gives you opportunity to take a situation through the Serenity Prayer.
1) Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change . . . like the way __________________ ignores me when I want to talk.
The courage to change the things I can . . . especially my own attitude about him/her.
And the wisdom to know the difference . . . between the lasting satisfaction of being completely honest with myself and the temporary satisfaction of depending on _______________ for my happiness.
2) Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. . . like the way my childhood was.
The courage to change the things I can . . . especially my own feelings of victimization about my childhood and other relationships.
And the wisdom to know the difference . . . between staying in a victim role and continually turning those years over to my Higher Power.
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Hopefully you get the idea. You can select a specific situation or condition in your life that is currently a source of resentment, fear, sadness or anger. It may involve relationships (family, work or friends), work environment, health or self-esteem.
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. . .
-State a condition or experience you are aware of that you cannot change (ie, childhood, partner’s behavior, employment conditions, parents’ behavior)
The courage to change the things I can . . .
-What specifically CAN be changed about the above condition or experience?
And the wisdom to know the difference. . .
-Identify your understanding and acceptance of what you can and cannot change (ie, his/her behavior vs my reaction).
I would love to hear if this is helpful for you.