They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Have you ever found yourself in an endless cycle? My endless cycle was pursuing relationships with unavailable men. I went through 17 relationships like that before I even recognized the pattern. Then, I went through it one more time, fully aware of what I was doing, and fully experiencing the pain of my helplessness to change. Some time after I embarked on a journey of change, I came across this story… Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters. I saw myself in each of the chapters as I danced around my old behavior patterns and eventually learned to “walk down a different road.” I often used the story to “measure my progress.” I can honestly say that progress wasn’t always straightforward. It was often one step forward and two steps back. But as I learned to take responsibility for my actions, and stop blaming my pitfalls on others, on fate, or on circumstances, I think I finally am able to usually choose the “other road.” I hope this will help you as much as it has helped me.
Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
By Portia Nelson
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 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.
