Writing Prompt: Grant Me The Serenity

 Prompt: Write about what the Serenity Prayer means to you.

Grant Me The Serenity

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.

I really like the Serenity Prayer. Really. Any time, anywhere I encounter difficulties, I can just quietly recite this prayer and feel some semblance of peace. There’s a reason most AA meetings have attendees recite this prayer at the opening or closing; it just puts one in a good place. 

I’ve been struggling for the past month, and relying on the Serenity Prayer more and more. In particular, lately I’ve been extremely aggravated and frustrated that I must take certain medication for my bipolar disorder that has terrible side effects of fatigue, lack of motivation, and some cognitive impairment, among other things. The current heat wave we are having is making things even worse and I’ve felt powerless and depressed.

But then I thought about the Serenity Prayer and how I might apply it to this situation. First, I must accept that I cannot change the fact that I have to take this medication, as prescribed. I’ve done the rodeo of tinkering with dosages on my own, or skipping doses completely, basically not being med compliant and all that led to was repeated hospitalizations. I’m stable now, I’m sane, and that is of upmost importance. My medicine works. So no changing it.

That leaves me with these side effects I can’t stand, a common complaint from those taking bipolar medication. Can the Serenity Prayer be of help? Well, let’s think about courage to change the things I can. I’ve been consulting with my psychiatrist and therapist about things I can do to combat the fatigue and motivational struggles I have. Suggestions include getting myself out of my recliner and taking a walk in the morning; and breaking down chores to short, manageable tasks. 

As for my cognitive impairment, I’m doing things like actively participating in this writing group, working on written pieces to keep the creative juices flowing. Some weeks it’s easier to write than others, but I remain committed to doing the best I can. There was a time when I was on a higher dose of one of my meds and I couldn’t write at all. I’m extremely grateful that I eventually had that med adjusted and I can share my written words with you today. I am also an avid reader of books, and I recently decided to join a book club. I think the discussions will be good for me, and I can further push myself cognitively to engage with others. 

Life is always going to hand you curveballs, and this bipolar medication I have to take is one of them. But knowing that although I have to take meds, I can work to mitigate the negative impacts does give me some of that sometimes elusive serenity I so desperately seek. That’s what brought me back to AA almost 4 years ago, the search for peace and serenity. Thank goodness the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer is spoken at all my meetings, and I’ve learned how to incorporate it in my life today. Chalk this up to the prayer works if you work it. Some serenity granted. Guaranteed. I’ll certainly take that. Wouldn’t you?