The problem of resolving fear has two aspects.
We shall have to try for all the freedom from fear
that is possible for us to attain.
Then we shall need to find both the courage
and the grace to deal constructively
with whatever fears remain.
Courage is faith that has said its prayers.
F E A R = Face Everything And Recover.
My name is Peach, and I'm an alcoholic. If you're new, welcome! In the Serenity Prayer, we ask for 'courage to change the things we can,' so let's look at what courage really is to begin with. As I understand it, courage is not the absence of fear, but facing that fear and moving forward anyway. For me to be able to change anything in my life, I have to see and recognize that something needs to be changed, decide to actually change it, take action on that decision, and then do whatever it takes to change it. Sometimes that's real scary, and I don't want to do it! But when it comes to my recovery, it's more important to follow through and keep working on my recovery regardless of any fears that linger. Faith is a vital part of courage. I have come to trust my Higher Power, God as I understand Him, so I have to remember to trust Him, things will work out just as they're supposed to. So when I have a fear, and need to gain the courage to move through it, I pray a lot. I love the Serenity Prayer, but I also ask for the strength I need to be able to face that fear, move through it, and not let it stop me in my tracks. I focus on doing the next right thing, whatever that is, and start moving through that fear. I usually end up finding out that what I dreaded so much, and feared so much wasn't all that bad after all! My Higher Power gives me the courage to face it and continue. Thanks for letting me share.
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