Being Positive in the Midst of Anxiety -- Helpful Story!

[lilsismj]

Portia Nelson wrote the following. I think that it is a good metaphor to recall when we are on our journey.

We will have rough spots, but we'll make it out. But no matter where you are, you are exactly where you're supposed to be.



Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

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.


~ Portia Nelson ~

(There's a Hole in My Sidewalk)

[Guest]

Beautiful! I think I am on Chapter 3. Soon very soon, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[Guest]

Well I guess I've been walking down that same street all day today and falling in the same hole. So now it is my fault. Guess I better find another street. Thanks.

[Guest]

That's usually how it goes, lilsismj.

There's a saying: "If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten". It's so true! Change is good.