Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters

This isn’t by me, but I’ve found it very powerful ever since I first saw it in… high school, I believe it was, someone else in my class used it as a handout for a presentation she did.  I just thought I’d share it with those who haven’t seen it, and remind those who have. ‘Cause, well… this pretty much says it all, doesn’t it?

Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters

by Portia Nelson

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.

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.

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.

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

V
I walk down another street.