The Power and Simplicity of The Serenity Prayer

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.

This prayer is my favorite, and I say it often, as it applies to almost any dilemna, problem, or state of mind. It is short, simple, and very powerful. It doesn’t matter if you’re religious or not, the very act of saying it and concentrating on its elements can help you be focused, empowered, lighter and freer.

Grant Me The Serenity to Accept the Things I Cannot Change…

This line is key. Most of what ails us or takes up space in our brains are things we cannot change, be it other people, finances, health situations, etc. Sometimes the things that weigh us down are things we actually can change, but most likely can’t change today or in the present moment. The first act to empowering yourself, to becoming freer and lighter is to actually accept the things that are beyond your control and try to stop changing them, then you free up your power instead of giving it away.

The Courage to Change the Things I Can…

Next, once we accept what we cannot change, we can start focusing on the things we can change. Often accomplishing these things will give us a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind, as well as establish a path toward a goal. Focusing on what you can change and utilizing the courage to act on those things has a positive effect on well-being. Most often these are things we can act on in the present moment.

And The Wisdom to Know the Difference…

This is the call to stay on the path, to be wise enough not to waste our time, energy, and thoughts on what is beyond our control. It’s the wisdom to recognize when we do start obsessing about things which we can’t change, and to change our behavior to act on the things we can.