Chapter 1: The Impact of Our Thoughts

The influence of our thoughts is truly remarkable!

Image by Fathromi Ramdlon from Pixabay

In our Zoom AA meetings, we often derive discussion topics from recent experiences or conversations. Today's focus is on the profound insights from the study of Spirituality, which emphasizes that our thoughts are among the most potent tools at our disposal. Every action starts with a thought, encompassing our feelings toward people, places, and situations. The Serenity Prayer guides us to recognize what we can influence and what remains beyond our control.

The essence of the Serenity Prayer is: "God, grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Ultimately, we discover that the only entity we can truly change is ourselves—nothing and no one else. While this idea is straightforward, putting it into practice can be incredibly challenging.

Consider the turmoil caused by someone close to you struggling with addiction or other issues—many of us have experienced this firsthand. An adage often heard in AA is, "You can carry the message but not the man," reiterating the third principle of the Serenity Prayer: we can only change ourselves.

When we apply the principle of C.B.A. (Conceive, Believe, Achieve), we realize that our personal transformation is possible, yet we cannot impose change upon others, as advised by the Serenity Prayer. This principle also extends to our feelings about others. It’s essential to note that we aren't accountable for the initial thoughts that arise in our minds; rather, it's our response to those thoughts that truly matters.

It ultimately comes down to choices. How do we choose to engage with our thoughts or feelings? If the matter concerns us, we can choose to act or not. If it does not, we should accept that things will unfold as they should, regardless of our personal assessments of right and wrong.

Our purpose is to support and love others, not to judge or control them. This concept is simple, yet we often complicate it. I made a conscious decision to pursue happiness, joy, and freedom, while also encouraging others to do the same. To achieve this, I must simplify my life by allowing others to live as they wish, free from my perceived wisdom or insistence on my correctness.

Reverend Stephanie Sorensen recently spoke about the power of Imagination, highlighting that as spiritual beings, the way we think about our surroundings—whether positively or negatively—empowers those thoughts. The thoughts we focus on gain vitality within us, leading to their manifestation in our lives. Therefore, it is crucial to empower only those thoughts we wish to see realized.

With the thoughts in your mind, you possess immense power to transform yourself into the person you desire to be. Conversely, you also hold the potential to become overbearing, malicious, or unpleasant if that is your choice. When you lean towards negativity, it often results in misery for both yourself and those around you. Ultimately, it all boils down to choice.

Do you wish to be happy, joyful, and free, or do you prefer to wallow in misery and drag others down with you? The decision is yours, so choose wisely!

The first video titled "Your thoughts have power | Tony Peng | TEDxUFS" explores the significance of thoughts and how they shape our reality. Discover the transformative potential of your mindset.

The second video, "The Power of our Thoughts," delves into how our thoughts influence our experiences and the importance of cultivating a positive mindset.

If you found this content valuable, please consider sharing it on Facebook and Twitter.

Get notifications whenever James Boylan publishes new material. By signing up, you will create a Medium account if you don't already have one…

Read every story from James Boylan (and thousands of other writers on Medium). Your membership fee directly supports…