Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Serenity Now!

Continuing on yesterday's theme of combating that terrible sense of isolation I make it my purpose to remember something - anything - about each and every person I know/meet/encounter in the Rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous.  In fact, with anyone, anywhere, at any time, I should be able to ask a pertinent question or share something about myself that's relatable to that person.  I see you.  I listen when you talk.  I want you to tell me how you're doing, really, and not always get that "I'm fine.  I'm good" response.  If you're fine that's great but if you're not I'd like to hear about it.  Really.  I really would like to know what's going on with you.  If you can't share your fears and pain and frustration then no one will be able to help you dig yourself out.

I have a friend in Alcoholics Anonymous who is relentlessly cheery and upbeat, or at least presents that face to the public.  Her sponsor - after hearing the response "I'm fine" one too many times - sighed and said: "If you don't tell me how you're doing I'm not going to be able to help you."  That was one of most trenchant and wise things she could have said.

I repeat the details of the Seinfeld episode where one of the characters would shout "Serenity now!  Serenity now!" whenever he was upset.  And the fact that he was clearly pissed when he was shouting this only makes the scene more delicious.  One of his friends was impressed, so impressed he, too, took up this chant, and it worked and it worked and it worked until it didn't, and then he destroyed a room full of computers.

His apology: "Let me tell you, George.  Serenity now.  Insanity later."  This is funny and this also has an uncomfortable amount of truth in it.

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