“… acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. 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… unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and my attitudes.” (pg. 417)

“… my serenity is directly proportional to my level of acceptance. (pg. 420)

– “Alcoholics Anonymous,” Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., Fourth Edition

As the world opens up and I step out interacting with more people than I have during the past two years, I am getting the opportunity to see how accepting I am of the people, places, and situations coming across my path in my new community.

Today I was disturbed by a situation, but I am grateful to know that instead of pointing the finger at it, I need to turn it around and point it at myself. I become quiet, go inside, and be introspective in order to see what the lesson to learn is for me.

External circumstances reflect my inner environment. And if I do not want to be disturbed and in pain, I must accept the situation and see what I can glean from it in order for a shift to occur. That shift is in me, in my attitude, for after all, I cannot change anyone else, I surely cannot control outside circumstances. These days I have the wisdom to know the relationship between my level of acceptance and my serenity. And, my goal is serenity.

There is a plan and Spirit makes no mistakes; Spirit is in charge. God is the only Power and the only Presence, in, through, and around me and everything and everyone else. Embracing that, acceptance comes easily and serenity follows.