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 days, a lot of people have heard of the Serenity Prayer. Anyone who has gone to 12-Step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or Al-Anon knows this prayer as the group recitation at the end of these meetings. But although you may have heard this prayer a number of times, and perhaps recited it yourself many times, have … [Read more...] about The Serenity Prayer: How it Can Help Your Recovery from Addiction
Addiction
What do you mean when you say that addiction is a “choice”?
Annie asks: What do you mean when you say that addiction is a “choice”? Hi Annie – great question! I don’t believe that anyone chooses to become an addict – I know I didn’t. And in fact, most addicts never think they will be the ones to become addicted – that’s for the other guy. So I don’t believe that anyone signs up for Addiction 101, thinking “Yes, let’s be an addict, that will be fun!” But in every addict’s life, there comes a time when they know their lives are a mess. They look … [Read more...] about What do you mean when you say that addiction is a “choice”?
You Can’t Control Another Person, So Stop Trying!
Because we live on a planet of free will, each of us gets to make our own decisions. When we stop trying to change what we simply cannot change – especially other people – we can begin to live a much less stressful life. … [Read more...] about You Can’t Control Another Person, So Stop Trying!
The Name of the Game: How to Revive Your Ailing Self-Respect
Most of us are aware that we want to be treated with respect by other people. You probably find yourself becoming upset, angry or hurt when someone acts in a disrespectful way toward you, because it feels as if that person does not value you enough to treat you well. Self-Respect: What Exactly Is It? Self-respect works in the same way as being respected by others. When you value yourself enough to treat yourself well, you are acting in a self-respecting way. If you take good care of yourself … [Read more...] about The Name of the Game: How to Revive Your Ailing Self-Respect
Be the Change You Want to See
Everything starts with the Self. If our lives aren’t going the way we want them to, we must be willing to look inward to see how we’re contributing to that reality. This is the way to make the changes we want to see. … [Read more...] about Be the Change You Want to See