Golden Rule Meet Serenity Prayer 

During this incredible time of transformational change, many are looking for underlying lessons. From the COVID-19 pandemic to violent weather to global warming to political polarization to gender and race issues, this is a time like no other in our lifetimes. 

Although many feel fear and threat right now, I believe there are some very valuable lessons present today for all of us.

First, the gift of good health. As our hearts break for so many who have died of COVID or other infectious diseases, we can reframe our own gratitude to appreciating the foundational and fragile gift of good health. I believe it is the cornerstone of the best life. 

Second, the gift of family and friends. People who love you, not for the stuff you do or the money in your account, but love you for you, is a blessing. We all need to feel close to others and these social bonds are critical for our health and survival.

Third, the gift of service. Helping each other lighten their burden, even a little, is a gift of our divinity. It is usually in the service to others that we find ourselves. 

Like the starfish story, where a small child recognizes that starfish that washed up on the beach from the night before would die if not placed back in the ocean. An adult wandered by and commented to the child that they were wasting their time, as there were too many starfish to get them back in the water. The child looked at the adult and said, “You may be right, but for the ones that I get back to the ocean, it will make a great difference."

Fourth, the gift of being alive at this most extraordinary time. A time of transformation and change. A time of great opportunity for a much greater future. A chance to rebuild our world to one that heals us, as opposed to our world today that generates dis-ease (disease). 

Fifth, the gift of growth and acceptance. Resisting the change in our world, our lives and ourselves creates pain and suffering. Trusting that our world is changing in a way that ultimately benefits us all and our generations to follow is a blessing. Going with the flow of life, letting go of our tight grip on the events of our life will allow us to experience our life as a great adventure versus a prison sentence.

Lastly, the gift of changing our narrative and mindset from one of scarcity to abundance. George Bernard Shaw said, “Some see things as they are and say, 'Why.' Others see things as they could be and say, 'Why not.'" Let’s be the latter. It will make all the difference.

The Golden Rule is the base of all the world’s religions and states that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us. I would amend it slightly to say, do unto others as you would have them do to someone you love. 

Because we all don’t love ourselves yet.

The Serenity Prayer states, “To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference."

This time of change is challenging for us all, but I trust that the best days of our lives and our world are in front of us. And we best realize that by helping and loving each other and flowing with the great changes we are experiencing.

Golden Rule Meet Serenity Prayer. 

Almost Heaven.