What You Can Do Now

[Ann]

When you feel the need to complain about the way things are, remember this. There's something you could be doing right now to improve the situation.

Before you spend a lot of effort looking for someone to blame, look for ways to move things forward. Consider what you can now do to make a positive contribution.


There's little to be gained by pointing out what is wrong unless you find a way to begin making it right. Instead of dwelling on the problems, focus on the opportunities they present.


Experience how much more satisfying it is to put your energy into moving forward rather than looking backward. Even when the situation is not at all your fault, the most effective option is to take responsibility.


What's happened has happened, and no amount of finger pointing can change that. Quickly direct your attention to the many positive and valuable things you can do now.


Instead of being grumpy, be grateful for the opportunities that are now available. Choose to take positive action, and there's no limit to the real progress you can make.


-- Ralph Marston

[Sober_John]

Alcoholics Anonymous version
God grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

Reinholt Niebuhr’s original version
God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things which should be changed,
And the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

Christian version
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father,
Give us serenity to accept what cannot be changed,
Courage to change what should be changed,
And wisdom to know the one from the other;
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

As with all prayers, the exact wording is less important than what is in your heart when you say it.

This prayer is largely associated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but it was not written for them. A member discovered it in an obituary in 1939 and brought it to Bill W., a co-founder of AA, who was an Episcopal priest. It was perfect for the situation of an alcoholic, and AA promoted it widely.