Tonight I heard something I had not heard before… “Serenity is spiritual sobriety.” This really struck a chord with me. I realize that when I lose my serenity, it is because I am clinging to some negative thought pattern to which I have become addicted. When I accept what is, I can experience love, happiness, and peace regardless of my circumstances. Practicing acceptance prevents me from compulsively thinking, which usually results in negativity, worry, and projection. I choose spiritual sobriety by noticing the thoughts and resulting behavior patterns that rob me of my serenity, then replacing them with thoughts and behaviors that are non-judgmental and non-compulsive. My serenity returns.