Embrace the Calm

A long time ago, my stoic Catholic grandma gave me a serenity prayer bookmark. Stoicism is a two-thousand year old philosophy dedicated to helping people better themselves, stop caring about things outside their control, and live virtuous lives. Grandma was the pinnacle. I received this gift during a time in my life when anger dominated my thoughts and actions. It came with the words, “This prayer helps me every day.” Anger is irrational. Anger controls nothing. When your angry, calmness is nowhere to be found. I know. Grandma knew. You see, grandma endured a toxic relationship. Her first husband, my biological grandfather, was angry and abusive. Only God knows how this took a toll on her inner soul. The serenity prayer helped her accept calmness, gave her courage to change, and wisdom to help me embrace the calm.