Hilltoppers-AFG Online Meeting

KathyS

Serenity for me is a peaceful place of love.

It's that sacred space where I can: love everyone around me just as they are; can see and love the blessings that have been given to me; can see the positive instead of the negative about all that is occurring round-a-bout me; know that everything is just as it should be; possess discernment; don't feel the need to speak and I'm just happy 'being present'.

That is how I feel today.

That may change tomorrow, but for one day at a time....I have serenity as my goal.

bobc · Site Admin

I once heard a statement that I've observed to be true for myself, and others at times:

Janet

I heard something like this in a meeting and it made a lot of sense to me....so I added my own spin to it.

Serenity is not something that I have to go GET or find. It is something that is always there, within me and within the moment. My job is to get rid of the things that are blocking my experience of serenity. Whatever it is -- it is blocking me from receiving serenity. Many times its a defect of character, damaging thoughts or my runaway feelings. Once addressed, the mind quiets and the feeling of serenity returns.

I like the idea that it is always there, it's just our perception that has to change to realize it.

spb

TO ME, SERENITY IS THE DIRECT RESULT OF LETTING GO AND LETTING GOD.

It is uncomplicated and brings peace to my heart.

spb

not much to add here; but I do glimpse this
often.....sometimes not for long
.........but long enough to feel God's love.

TeacherWayne40

At a younger age, I chased serenity like it were something I were not to let go of. Perfection, in me, is an ugly shadow in trying to "capture" serenity. Today, Serenity is not something I chase after. Serenity is present all around me, through me, and all I must do is align myself with it in all I do. The first goal for me is to Let Go and Let God, and also to not hold on to the little string of self control that allows me to take what I've let go of back from God.

Wayne

grangran

I know I have serenity when I feel calm inside - not anxious, worried, or angry. Sometimes I feel serenity when enjoying beautiful things in nature, other times listening to music or praying helps. It is definitely something I have to work on, as my nature is to be a worrier who wants to deal with everyone else's problems and responsibilities. I feel more serene when I practice detachment.

fortconn

My serenity is the water in a large, shallow stone bowl held by a large and mighty angel standing behind me. As long as this angel holds the bowl all is well and serene, but the minute I reach up and take the bowl, things change. The bowl is too large and heavy for me to handle, because of it's weight and size, and it's location over my head, I begin to teeter and the water begins to spill out. I then set this bowl on the ground and try to calm the water with my hands and create a rageing, splashing, spilling watery mess. When I surrender and give the bowl back to the angel, the water becomes still and I have serenity.

In other words, my serenity is held in my Higher Powers hands. If I keep my mind and actions on him, I remain serene. The minute I think I have control, I lose my serenity.

fortconn roll smilie

JIH

I am seeking serenity. I found out that I have been deceived, and I am not surprised, but I am so incredibly disappointed. I really thought that this had stopped. I don't know why I thought it would stop, no other behavior had stopped. But I felt because I have been treating this person with respect and dignity that the same would be given to me. So, I want to let go of what happened. Sure, I can forgive. It doesn't change what happened. But I am aware. And I remain disappointed. And that is so incredibly sad.

bobc · Site Admin

JIH:

I'm sorry for your loss. One of the greatest changes I've sustained in life is learning this fact:

jam

I recognize serenity when the knot-in-my-stomach feeling is gone...

and I have learned to protect it
and cherish it
and if I lose it
I can always find it on my knees, in my garden

elizabeth

Just this week I had a tremendous upset in my world when something didn't go my way. We are traveling and had planned to spend 3 weeks in a place I was very much looking forward to exploring. My qualifier found the place not to his liking and wanted to stay only 2 weeks. I agreed, with some degree of resentment or self-righteous anger. Now, just three days later, I realize that this place isn't what I had hoped and staying for 2 weeks will be much better than the original plan.
For years one of my life mottos has been, "This or something better". It has always proven true, sometimes in the most amazing ways. When I can remember that motto, I know serenity.

bobc · Site Admin

I needed to read these words this morning, and it's "hit the spot". I work in a highly dysfunctional environment. In many ways, due to my background and family of origin, I fit in well. However, due to my growth in recovery, I can recognize the situation and choose differently. Many times I've seen that the positive effects of the program turn me into the "odd man out". I want to continue to make choices that lead to Serenity and detachment. I'll keep in mind a new personal slogan: "This or something better".
Cool

JIH

I struggle with anxiety. I have realized this for a long time. I can feel it creeping in; (now) I can identify it; and I (usually) can let it go.

I am at an amazing pinnacle in my life, and I need to let others make decisions for themselves that are theirs to make. They are able, and I must let go. At this moment, I can let go, and let God.

I literally feel like I am standing on top of a mountain, and looking at the full landscape. I'm grateful for this precious moment, and that when anxiety tries to sneak in, I can identify it, and release it.

"God, grant me the serenity . . . ."

bobc · Site Admin

I've often wondered how cats can take a fall from a tree, or whatever, and always land on their feet. Also, as I've watched them in action, they never seem to "freak out" during the fall. They simply adjust and position their feet downward, then "enjoy the ride". It's an amazing lesson about staying in the "here and now". Personally, I can't do it that well. I wish I could remain that focused and detached during my tough moments. A single line from a movie I watched recently: