Instead of groping around blindly: By James Boylan


This week, we'd like to invite you to read a very special piece by the talented writer James Boylan. We hope you enjoy and understand the profound message it carries.


The Serenity Prayer states “God grant me the serenity. To accept the things I cannot change;. Courage to change the things I can;. And wisdom to know the difference.”

The Serenity Prayer sums up just what we can change and what we can not change. If it is me, I can change. If it is anybody or anything else, I can not change it. This makes many former difficult decisions simple.

Elisabeth Kubler Ross said “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

Every action is preceded by a thought. Since our thoughts are the most powerful parts of our beings, we can even control our moods. No one or anything outside of me can make me happy or sad. Only I can.

Why? Because only I can control my thoughts and actions about whatever I am facing.

Since I started on this journey to sobriety, which led to discovering my inborn spirituality, I am now able to have real choices. Probably for the first time in my life.

I now choose to not pick up that first drink. I choose to be happy, joyous, and free. I choose to share my experiences, strengths, and hopes with others who will listen and read.

I choose to come out of the darkness caused by negative thoughts and actions into the light of self-discovery and strive to become the light for others. Others are still sick and suffering. I pray that I can share some of my light with them to ease their suffering.

Do you want to join me? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired of the outer world’s negativity? Want to know how I emerged from the darkness?

I simply said the shortened version of the AA 3rd Step, “God, help me,” and moved on out into the light of happiness, joy, and freedom. I stopped watching the news stations, with their constant stories of gloom and doom.

I let it be known to others who were still in the darkness that there was a way out. If they really wanted it. If they were ready to go to any lengths to get it, too. If they let me continue, I shared whatever I could to help them.

If they were not ready to hear, I moved on. Simple as that! Not always easy but it sure is worth it for me. All I had to do was say “God, help me,” and then get out of His way and let Him.

I am not a good poker player. When I am happy, joyous, and free, which is most of the time, I can not hide it. I am bursting with joy and there is no denying it.

The Law of Attraction says that this will bring me others who are like-minded. These like-minded beings will take the light and spread it out to the rest of the world. That’s just how simple it is to work.

Thank you, God!

This article was provided with the kind permission of James Boylan. You can reach out to him via the links below.

I am Jim Boylan and my last drink was September 20, 1976. The program of Alcoholics Anonymous has saved my life. I won’t tell you what to do but I will let you know how to be Happy, Joyous, and Free EVERY DAY. 

Listen to our podcasts