This is one of my favorite poems of all times. As you read it, consider what the hole in the sidewalk represents for you. I always encourage you to leave a reflective comment. It is through sharing that we find comfort in knowing others experience similar challenges and discover the courage to escape isolation. Enjoy!
Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters...... Could this be yours?
By Portia Nelson
I. I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost…I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes me forever to get out.
II. I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
III. I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in... it is a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
IV. I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
V. I walk down another street.
4 comments:
Thanks for posting this Kristin.
This is my Mothers favorite also. Whenever my Mother sees me frustated and annoyed with myself all she says to me is "The hole in the sidewalk" and it reminds me that I need to walk around that hole or choose a different street and I end up feeling so much better about my situation. I know it is scary sometimes to make changes in our life because we are in our comfort zone and are afaird to distrupt our lives because we feel it will make us seem selfish. If I can reccomend a book........"Feel the fear and do it anyway" By Susan Jeffers. This book has made a positive impact in my life and has made me a stronger happier me.
Elohba,
Thank you for your book recommendation. I have had others recommend this book as well. I will be sure to check it out!
Take Care
~Kristin Woodling, LMHC
Kristin,
I've been struggling with an anger and depression problem, something that I have been consciously trying to overcome for several years now. Sometimes it's better, and sometimes it's worse. Lately I've been asking myself if maybe I've inherited my dad's Bipolar disorder; I suppose that that is my hole in the sidewalk. I've been looking for help and today I've stumbled upon your blog. I'm going to find out if my insurance covers therapy, and if it does, I hope I'll be speaking with you soon.
Kari,
Thank you for your willingness to share your struggles. I predict it will be comforting for other women to read and know they are not alone in coping with anger and depression. I think it would be a great idea for you to get some feedback from a professional. Please feel free to contact me for further assistance related to your insurance coverage. Even if your insurance does not cover therapy, there are many community resources I can provide you that offer free or low cost therapy.
~Kristin Woodling, LMHC
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