By: Hettie Basil Lighttower

There are more changes happening in the world than you or I can keep track of right now. As a matter of fact I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, how ‘bout you? When I get to that overload, bursting at the seams feeling in my gut and brain I try to consider and recite the serenity prayer:
“Lord give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.” I have this hanging on my wall in my kitchen.
I laugh internally when I say the word serenity sometimes, because I think of the Seinfeld Comedy episode where the father yells upward to God, “SERENITY NOW!!!”. Demanding the Serenity. That was his version of saying the serenity prayer because he just cannot take one more bit of stress knowing he cannot change any of the actions of others around him. He knew it would take an act by God Himself to grant the serenity to accept the sources of his stress. Serenity is a lot like surrendering.
Key values of serenity are Balance(maintenance of peace during chaos), Tranquility(calm, undisturbed state of being), and Inner Peace(a firm sense of composure with quiet reflection or observance). It is a mindset and control of emotions during chaotic times.
The first line in this prayer means you have a deep trust and faith that things will work out for the best of all involved while knowing nothing you can do directly will change the situation. The second phrase: having the courage to change the things I can is what I want to focus a little closer on today. And then there is the last line: wisdom to know the difference of the first two pathways.
Every day we are faced with situations where we have to have the wisdom to know if we have the power to make a difference or not. Sometimes things are so convoluted that it is really difficult to decipher or discern that power. Recently, there is a phrase commonly used which is a simple “Be the Change”. It is a short phrase for “Be the change you want to see in the world”.
Then I think of the song whose lyrics ring out with: “If you want to make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make the change…..s I’m talking about the man in the mirror……”. I totally get that concept. In other words, if EACH of us evaluates and analyzes our daily actions and reactions and be the person you would like everyone else to be, then together with everyone doing the work and being only responsible for one person(yourself), the next thing you know the whole world will be a better place. Each individual person makes up the world. We are a part of the whole. But it takes everyone doing it and doing the work.
Ironically, I believe most all of you who read this paper and read this column are already among those who evaluate yourself and are working hard on making the world a better place. You have looked at yourself in the mirror and asked the question: Am I doing my best? Am I being the change I want to see in this world? Do I live by being the example?
At the end of every column, I state that kindness is contagious. It is. It is not just something warm and fuzzy to say. It is truth. Look for ways in your day to show kindness. Explore opportunities to choose thoughtfulness over selfishness. Consider these small changes in patterns you may have so you WILL be making the change you would like to see in the world.
I am going to be praying for a lot of serenity from here on out. I feel that very strongly. I also will be praying for wisdom because….you see there are too many new technologies coming out that are going to take away our humanness of choice aka free will, and a good bit have to do with the 2027 vehicles coming out and all the new DMV rules being applied.
Send in your notions and comments to [email protected] . And remember, kindness is contagious~*