In 1932, maybe 1933, depending on who you ask, there was an American theologian named

Reinhart Niebuhr, and he wrote this prayer, and it goes like this. 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. Those last few words there are my favorite, wisdom to know the

difference. In these 27 words, they represent an abridged version of his prayer.

And if it sounds familiar, there's a good reason for it.

It spread like wildfire in the 1930s and 40s, and eventually became adopted by Alcoholics

Anonymous or AA as the Serenity Prayer.

This prayer has become a mantra of sorts for millions of folks worldwide

who participate in 12-step programs and countless others who have found it helpful in maintaining their mental well-being. In fact, I think it's safe

to say at this very moment, somewhere someone is probably reciting the serenity prayer. So what's so

special about these 27 words? Will it really bring us serenity? Will it really help us find peace?

Well, let's find out. I'm Chad Lawson and let's comment down in three, two, one.

According to Merriam-Webster,

Serenity is a state of mental calm and clarity.

Feels dreamy.

It's where you feel at peace.

Being in a state of serenity is like the opposite of state of anxiety.

While anxiety pulls us from the present moment, clouds our minds with thoughts of the past

and makes us worry about the future, serenity allows us to focus on what matters most in the present moment,

shielding us from this tension and this chaos that anxiety just loves to create.

Now, you may be asking yourself, can one little prayer really do all of that? The answer is yes. In fact, it's actually been

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