There is a short saying by David Grayson that I like. "Back of tranquility lies conquered unhappiness." I had never thought about conquering unhappiness but I am absolutely convinced now it can be done because I've done it. Unhappiness is the state of not being serene ... and in many cases it is a matter of different perceptions for the same events. The program given to us by Overeaters Anonymous offers so many ways for us to reach a state of serenity ... so many ways we can begin to conquer our unhappiness.

"God grant us the "serenity" to accept the things we cannot change." As Dawn shares with
us about her views of the Third Promise as found in the AABB, I hope we can think about why that word is in this beautiful prayer.

Here's Dawn . . . . . . .

Dear Friends,

The third promise is: "We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace." Before I came to OA, I thought that a serene life had to be the most boring thing there was. I couldn't comprehend of life without continual problems and emergencies. If there was no crises going on, I would create one. That way I didn't have to live in myself. I could ignore the mess inside my head and my problems with relationships.

Now, having been working the steps, and maintaining abstinence, I have reached a state of serenity that I never thought possible. It isn't boring at all! I have more time to work on the inner me. I have more time to focus on relationships. These are now the truly exciting things in my life.

I have found an inner being who is a rather interesting person. This inner person is far from being perfect, but what is perfection anyway?

Life is a journey, and accepting myself as I am has been a milestone for me. I can now accept my imperfections without thinking that they spoil all that is good within me. I no longer have to constantly work to try to keep others noticing my real or perceived imperfections. I can admit them to others and work on improving them. I have discovered that others share the same shortcomings I have, and life has not always been easy for them either.

This has taken a lot of worry and anxiousness out of my life. I can now relax and be myself. I am no more and no less than any other person in this world. I am not perfect, and neither is anyone else, no matter how perfect they appear to be on the surface. Somehow, that awareness of this fact has helped me find serenity.

The serenity is not perfect. Sometimes problems can interfere, but if I keep my head together and listen to my inner voice, which has become much stronger, I am able to deal with them without panicking. Serenity has opened up a whole new frontier for me. That frontier is within myself. Every day I discover new strengths and new ways to improve upon the weaknesses I find there. I am able to resist the forces which I used to allow to rule my life - panic, anxiety, and fear.

Dawn

Serenity ~ ~ a worthy goal for all of us.

Thank you, {{{{{{{{{{{{{{Dawn}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}