My Selection — Alcoholics Anonymous (Colloquially Known as “The Big Book”)

Summary

The web content reflects on the profound impact of a 109-word excerpt from the "Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous," emphasizing the importance of acceptance in personal growth and happiness.

Abstract

The author of the web content shares a personal connection to a passage from "Alcoholics Anonymous," commonly known as the "Big Book." Despite acknowledging the limitations of 12-step programs, the author credits this specific excerpt with providing valuable life lessons. The passage, which discusses the concept of acceptance, has been instrumental in shaping the author's understanding of the Serenity Prayer and the broader philosophy of "life on life's terms." The author interprets this as a call to change one's own attitudes and accept circumstances as they are, rather than being consumed by the desire to alter external realities. The article also references other works that explore similar themes, such as the true meaning of "it is what it is," and encourages readers to embrace life's challenges with a positive attitude rather than resentment.

Opinions

The author believes that 12-step programs, while not perfect, contain valuable wisdom, particularly in the passage discussed.
Acceptance is seen as a key to serenity and happiness, and it involves embracing people, places, things, and situations as they are.
The Serenity Prayer is often misunderstood, and the author feels the passage from the "Big Book" clarifies its true intent.
The phrase "it is what it is" is frequently misused, but the author appreciates its deeper meaning as conveyed by the 109 words from the "Big Book."
The author advocates for personal change and adaptation rather than focusing on changing the world.
There is a recognition that life is not inherently fair, and acceptance helps one to deal with this reality without resentment.

From the Personal Stories Section, Part II, Chapter 16

109 words chock full of life lessons

I believe that 12-step programs leave much to be desired and have much space in which to improve and adapt. Yet, I give credit where earned, and this snippet from page 417 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous profoundly and positively impacted my life:

And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation — some fact of my life — unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in [the universe] by mistake. …unless I accept life on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and my attitudes.

Those 109 words contain a lifetime’s worth of wisdom and lessons. They perfectly explain the oft-misunderstood meaning of the Serenity Prayer. If you desire to change the world, great, I sure do. Acceptance does not mean turn the other cheek regarding either a person or the world. It means, in this respect, do not let the situation eat you up inside.

I can solve any personal problem I face, no matter how dire, simply with a change in attitude.

“Life on life’s terms” — the real meaning of “it is what it is”

This is yet another lesson packed into the 109 words. I have often in a conversation responded, “it is what it is.” Many people wince at this. Some believe it too much a cliche that should be removed from our lexicon. The way most people use it should be retired.

𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘊. wrote brilliantly about this in “It Is What It Is,” in which Diana also discerns the meaning of the phrase as imparted by the 109 words.

I have discerned another, related meaning to the phrase. I live life on life’s terms, play the cards I am dealt, and I do not bitch anymore in the delusion of life not being fair. Life just is what it is.

Thank you for allowing me to share.

In Rama I create,

Marcus

My Selection — Alcoholics Anonymous (Colloquially Known as “The Big Book”)

Authors — Anonymous (see images at end of story)

From the Personal Stories Section, Part II, Chapter 16