"Without help, we cannot recognize serenity or true safety." BRB p. 16

What is this strange entity called serenity? How will we know if we have it? What will it feel like? Will we be different somehow? Is it something to strive for or is it an illusion?

Maybe it's easier to say what serenity isn't. It isn't waking up with the knowledge that this is going to be a bad day. It isn't focusing on what we don't have and what others do have. It isn't looking to others to affirm who we are. It isn't trying to make people like us by saying yes when we really want to say no.

In ACA, we learn that serenity isn't an entity; it's a feeling, an experience. It's the wisdom to know when we are powerless and to accept that truth without feeling less than. It's the inner strength that tells us we're okay regardless of how the world may view us. It's the ability to forgive others and ourselves for not being perfect or not living up to certain expectations. It's knowing that our best friend and strongest cheerleader is inside of us.

Serenity is a state of being where we feel accepted for who we are. It is unconditional peace with no strings attached. And yes it does exist, it's not an illusion. We invite it in.

On this day I will seek and hold onto the embrace of serenity. I will feel the peace of knowing I accept myself as an imperfect human being.