I came across this fantastic poem (below), which reminded me of the very nature of growth. It’s not a linear path that we’re on. We want to go straight up the mountain – from the base to the peak. In fact, if we are to grow we need to constantly work and rework areas of our life that we struggle with. We’re on more of a circular path that gradually ascends. We become more of our true selves every step of the way, but there’s no “quick fix”.
This poem beautifully describes why need an abundance of grace for ourselves in our personal journey. Mistakes will be made and pain is inevitable. The reward, however, is joy beyond measure.
Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters
- a poem by Portia Nelson, published in her book There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery
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 … 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.
