The wisdom to know the difference

The serenity prayer asks for the serenity to accept things one cannot change, the courage to change things one can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Often, the wisdom seems to be the hard part. But it doesn’t have to be. It’s actually fairly simple.

Cannot change: other people.

Can change: yourself.

If you find yourself distressed because of something out there, then the chances are you’re focused on the thing you cannot change instead of the thing you can.

That outward focus may feel justified or even rational. But it’s not courageous, and it’s not wise.