There is a Hole in My Sidewalk

Dr. Wayne Dyer was one of my favorite authors going back to 1993.  He introduced me many thought-provoking ideas.   In one of his PBS specials, he shared this story from Portia Nelson.  It portrays the human condition in many ways. It resonated with me back then and still does today.  “It all begins with awareness and responsibility.”

THERE’S A HOLE IN MY SIDEWALK

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

by: Portia Nelson

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.

Chapter Two

I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend that 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 Three

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 Four

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I walk around it.

Chapter Five

I walk down another street.