The Power of Habit—The Challenge of Choice [EN]

»Autobiography in Five Short Chapters« by Portia Nelson from the book »There’s A Hole in My Sidewalk«.

 

This poem beautifully describes the stages of transformation and learning in a simple and concise way. It emphasizes the importance of honest self-reflection, and the power of taking full responsibility.

(emphasis in italics by me)

🕳️ Chapter 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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

🕳️ Chapter 5

I walk down another street.

O autorovi:

Picture of Ondra Veltruský

Ondra Veltruský

Pomáhám lidem získat přístup k moudrosti vlastního těla. Učím je, jak být více přítomný v těle i mysli, být ve své síle a uvážlivě si vybírat z možností v oblasti intimity a potěšení.

Související články: