The Hole in the Sidewalk

My counsellor shared this with me when I felt like I was going around in circles. I think it will have some meaning for many and that it will give hope to those in recovery or working towards personal development.

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

 

Chapter 1

 

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 forever to find a way out.

 

Chapter 2

 

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.

 

Chapter 3

 

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in … it’s a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

 

Chapter 4

 

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

 

Chapter 5

 

I walk down another street.

 


~ Portia Nelson ~

 

(There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk)

 

 



Categories: Counselling, Personal/Professional Development, Psychology, Writing/Publishing

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7 replies

  1. I love it, it’s funny, moving and so true. Great post Nicola.xx

    p.s. Mom comes home tomorrow.

  2. Haha I love Chapter 5! Simple solution. 🙂

  3. Reblogged this on …on becoming a counsellor and commented:
    I found this wonderful blog, recording the learning journal of a fellow counselling student. She writes so beautifully, I wanted to share her work with you. Please click on the other pages she has written too – it is all wonderful stuff…

  4. I hope you don’t mind, but I have reblogged this post – I think it is wonderful. Actually, I think that this whole blog is wonderful – I wish I had found it sooner. Thank you so much – it is all beautifully written and you have fantastic self awareness. I am in awe! 🙂

  5. This is just brilliant! I laughed – but a bit sheepishly as I recognised it as me. Ho hum!

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