It is a spiritual axiom that every time we are disturbed, no matter what the cause, there is something wrong with us. ~ AA World Services Inc. Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (p. 90).

There’s a difference between rebuilding self-esteem,
if not creating it, and identifying my part in an inventory.
Yes, of course someone else may have been wrong as well,
but if I’m disturbed, it’s my part, my actions and reactions,
that are the cause. Perhaps I was arrogant, believing I was right
and blaming their misconception…thinking surely it was
deliberate, devious, calculated, malicious. Perhaps
my reaction was fear, believing they disregarded my needs,
my safety, my failure to prepare, Perhaps they had a duty
to do something I wanted done and filed to meet my schedule.
No matter what “they”did, it is a spiritual axiom
that every time I am disturbed, no matter what the cause,
there is something wrong with me.
An axiom is a statement or proposition
that is regarded as being established,
accepted, or self-evidently true. I have no control over
“their” acts or words, only over mine.
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.
It’s my responsibility to change myself.