What I Can Change

Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. ~ Rumi

I need serenity, which comes disguised
as excitement, peace, relaxation, acceptance,
growth, learning, purpose, service, meaningfulness.
I find serenity by learning what I cannot change…
who I can't modify and mold to fit my picture
of what life should be for them.
I grasp serenity by accepting what is within the world,
in a family, in government, in organizations,
knowing change comes not be revolution and force
but by one person changing, encouraging others to do so,
starting a chain reaction that may actually be revolutionary…
Serenity is mine for the taking if I change myself
which is really all I can ever change directly.