| The 3rd promise on page 83-84 of the Big Book of | | | | each person and each interaction. He guaranteed me |
| Alcoholics Anonymous states that "we will | | | | success if I faced life one day at a time and one |
| comprehend the word serenity." | | | | problem at a time. |
| What is the strict dictionary definition of the word | | | | In my drinking days, I always had a reason to be drunk. |
| "serenity?" | | | | If you had problems like I did, you'd drink too! However, |
| It is the "state of being utterly calm especially in the | | | | there is not one time I can remember when my |
| face of difficulty and adversity." | | | | drinking solved problems. |
| If you are early in your recovery process it is highly | | | | As I replayed my stressful day while running through |
| unlikely that you will comprehend the word serenity. It is | | | | the park, I suddenly realized that my problems were |
| more likely that you will comprehend the word | | | | really not that bad. I was going to talk about it at the |
| "insanity!" | | | | meeting tonight and ask for help. There were many |
| However, as you proceed along your unique journey | | | | people in similar situations that could help me. I was not |
| of recovery, you will eventually know what serenity | | | | alone. If I looked after myself, and asked for help I was |
| feels like. This promise clearly states that you will | | | | going to be fine. |
| "comprehend the word serenity." It is not a requirement | | | | I became distinctly aware of my surroundings, as my |
| of the program nor is it possible to feel peace and | | | | feet effortlessly moved me towards the powerful |
| tranquility 100% of the time. | | | | ocean. This was the first time in my recovery that I felt |
| At his AA home group, Donny, a friend of mine who is | | | | so calm and peaceful even after a super stressful |
| a health professional was asked to share on this topic. | | | | day. This was unbelievable. I was under stress but I felt |
| He distinctly remembered the 1st time he felt "serenity." | | | | calm and I had no desire to drink. Something magical |
| "I was running on my favorite route in the park after a | | | | had just happened." |
| particularly challenging day. Many of my patients were | | | | In the above example, Donny experienced serenity. He |
| not doing well and some were in extreme pain. | | | | felt calm in the face of an imposing storm. Most |
| Unexpected bills arrived in the mail which placed yet | | | | importantly, he faced his challenges in a very healthy |
| more pressure on my already extremely high debt | | | | manner and had no urge to drink. |
| load. Every time the phone rang, I feared it was going | | | | If you are struggling with your recovery program, |
| to be another catastrophe. I had a terrible headache | | | | please remember that you are not alone. Help is only a |
| and felt sick to my stomach. | | | | phone call or a meeting away! It is possible to |
| I was warned that I was going to be tested early in | | | | comprehend the word serenity by working your |
| my sobriety and today was one of those days. I was | | | | program and staying away from the 1st drink one day |
| instructed by my sponsor to do the best I could with | | | | at a time. |