In her poem, Autobiography in Five Short Chapters, Portia Nelson describes the stages of psychological change with beautiful simplicity.
Chapter I
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost… I am hopeless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes 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 this 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 there.
I still fall in… it’s a habit… but,
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.
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This scenario has been my lifelong journey. I’m so very grateful to the writer who made it simple, understanding and transparent.
My life right now is in Chapter 3.
Wonderful and simple. I share this with many friends in recovery. This story will always stay with me in my heart!
Thank you
I frequently turn to this poem when my old habits return, nipping at my heels.