I think we can all relate to this delightful and insightful poem as we continue to work on ourselves and grow in awareness. You may have heard it before–it’s very popular among therapy and twelve-step groups and used by a lot of motivational speakers–but it’s so worth reading again!

 

Chapter One  

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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 ... but,

my eyes are open.

I know where I am.

It is my fault.

I get out immediately.

 

 

 

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I walk around it.

 

 

 

I walk down another street.

 

 

As I read this again I’m reminded of how we each navigate our lives as well as we can, endeavoring to learn from our mistakes and make new, empowering choices. Sometimes it takes a few tries before we successfully change direction. It really takes time and loving attention to create substantial change, and it’s so important to forgive ourselves while allowing ourselves to grow at our own pace.

 

What chapter are you on? In which part of your life do you struggle to get out of the hole? When have you successfully walked down another street? Your thoughts and comments make a big difference for all of us!