HOLE IN THE SIDEWALK

AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS 
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 find a way 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's 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. 

© 1977 Portia Nelson, There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery 

It's simple math: repeating destructive habits + accepting responsibility = making a positive change. 

Is there a hole in your sidewalk that is writing your autobiography? 

TAGS: Inspiration