In this life we will have challenges and most of which we have no control over. We find ourselves becoming irritated and frustrated with life. This can lead to anger and bitterness, taking it out on the people we love and causing unnecessary havocs in our homes. This negative energy has the tendency to affect every area of your life in a major way. The problem is these behaviors doesn't make the situation better. It only accumulates a domino effect of decline and drawing unto yourself more experiences which is low in frequency. The energy that you put out is what is returned to you.

When I first began my spiritual journey, I adopted a prayer to help guide me through my troublesome times. It's known as the "Serenity Prayer".

"God grant me the serenity to accept those things that I cannot change,

the courage to change those things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference".

Serenity means peace- We have to learn how to be at peace with the things that we have no power over. Do all you can to achieve the change you desire within your control. Don't try to force change or become angry or bitter about the matter. In reinventing yourself your primary goal is to take full control over the mind and how you respond to life's challenges. So, this is where you consciously choose to have peace. I promise, you will feel better, and you'll be glad that you didn't allow that problem to get the best of you.

Example - You get laid off from your job. A situation that's completely out of your control. At this point all you can do is seek employment elsewhere. (Period) The outcome will not change if you become irate or do something foolish. Handle the situation in a mature manner and know that everything will work out. Stay positive, remember you are rebuilding and becoming a new you. A new evolved you!

Courage- When you're facing challenges that requires your action to achieve a desired outcome; Fear has the tendency to surface, and you end up doing nothing at all. It's going to take courage to get your feet to moving. You must be strong, brave and weigh the pros and cons of having those cold feet. Non movement can cause delays, or you could totally miss out on some major and significant opportunities.

In the book of Numbers 13-14, God had led the Israelites to the Promised Land but had not yet entered. Although there were other dwellers in the land, God told them to go and possess it because it was the land he had promised them. So, Moses sent out 12 Spies to view the land to see what they were up against. After spying out the land 10 of the Spies brought back an evil report and put fear in all the people. God became angry decreed death upon them. After seeing God angry they decide to go and take the land the next day. Moses warned them not to go because God was no longer with them. They proceeded anyway and they were all killed.

Exercising courage when its vitally important to implement change is not a matter to be taken lightly. Take control over fear, don't allow fear to control you. For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Wisdom- Knowing the right thing to do in the midst of any situation or circumstance and doing it. The problem we face when we're going through challenges is, we fail to use wisdom. Sometimes we completely ignore what we should be doing. Instead, we stress over what we cannot change, and neglect to change what we can. This is not healthy and does not contribute to achieving peace. Neither is this behavior reflective of acceptance. Thats why the prayer states " the wisdom to know the difference." Accept what you cannot change but change what you can and use wisdom on what and when to take action.

This prayer model has helped me through some very difficult times. I still use it to this day, and it helps me to maintain a peaceful mindset.