Many of us have come across the well-known blessing written by Reinhold Niebuhr, which has come to be known as the “The Serenity Prayer.”
The blessing reads:
“…grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.”
This saying resonates with many people from many different backgrounds. It eloquently speaks to the challenge for dedicated health caregivers, to acknowledge that some things, even our ability to positively impact the lives of some people, are out of our control. We tend to care so very deeply about our work and patients that we oftenneed to reach out to someone or something greater than ourselves, to help us recall and discern what is in our power to change. That someone or something greater than ourselves could be our colleagues, supervisors, friends, family, or spiritual practice.
Some questions to consider:
What might you need to accept at this moment?
How would acceptance bring you peace?
What is within your power to change?
At this moment, who can you ask for help to discern this and for courage to change? Or where can you turn for help to discern this?
Where can you find the courage to change?
Open your hearts and receive this blessing, if you will:
May you have all you need this day:
Serenity, Acceptance, Courage, Discernment, Wisdom. May it be so!