I ended up losing my balance trying so desperately to control the dogs that I fell down. Fortunately, the owner was able to get his dog before it got to us. I was mad though. I had thoughts like wanting to contact the police, suing him, etc. When I calmed down though, I realized, I had another choice. I could just walk my dogs on another street or at another time where it would be unlikely for that to happen! I suddenly felt peace! It’s not to say that it is right or wrong to do any of the things I thought about but, it feels good to know I have a choice!!!!!!! I can change my inner dialogue. I can ask myself how I am responsible. And, then take the best action for me!
Autobiography in Five 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 me 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.
Copyright (c) 1993, by Portia Nelson from the book There’s A Hole in My Sidewalk. Reproduced with kind permission from Beyond Words Publishing, Hillsboro, Oregon.