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Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters – Life Metaphor, Food for Thought

Under: General Health

Excerpted from “There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk” by Portia Nelson, an American author, actress, and singer, this is great food for thought.  Make your own application to the metaphor. It speaks volumes.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN 5 SHORT CHAPTERS

Chapter 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.

Chapter 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.

Chapter 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.

Chapter IV

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

Chapter V
I walk down another street.

 


About the author:  Portia Nelson was an author, singer, composer, lyricist, painter, photographer, and actress. Her book of poetic musings, There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery became a mainstay of twelve-step programs.  Ms. Nelson has appeared in such films as The Sound of Music, Dr. Doolittle, The Trouble with Angels, and The Other, and she appeared on the television soap opera, All My Children, as Mrs. Gurney for many years and appeared on Broadway in the award-winning musical The Golden Apple.  Over the years, Portia has written the music and lyrics for many revues, television specials, and films.