Marcine’s journaling forward

[NarcKiddo]

Intellectual understanding rings hollow.

That resonates. But sometimes it is all we have to fall back on until the emotional understanding catches up.

I found your post very powerful and moving.

 

[Marcine]

Grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I must,
And wisdom to know the difference.

That classic prayer continues to offer insights to me.

Acceptance of what I can't change requires me to grieve.
Making necessary change requires a brave leap of faith into the unknown.
Discerning between what is and isn't in my control requires patience.

Above all, I benefit from seeing the truth. I welcome the truth.

Aligning with what's true no longer is a scary, life threatening, criminal, punishable-by-death choice.

It was dangerous to see and speak truth when I was young, little, and dependent on adults who force-fed me distorted falsehoods. I had to swallow the lie that everything was in my control and that I could change anything if I tried hard enough. If things weren't working, then it was my fault.

I was penalized when I tried to draw a line between what truly belonged to me and what was theirs.

Here now, I feel calm and clear-eyed.

I teach my students when they are stumped by a math problem— "start with what you know."

I tell my kids when they aren't sure of the next step forward— "start with what you know."

I tell myself— "start with what you know."

I know this to be true:

- I practice honesty, compassion, and integrity.

- I live a principled life, in alignment with what I value.

- I provide unconditional love, nurturing and protection for my kids.

- I am courageous and fierce in adversity.

- I am a good human being, connecting with other good beings.

That's a good start!