My therapist gave this to me to read 3x daily....

[timer lady]

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

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 my 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'm 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 hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there. I still fall in....it's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It's my fault.
I get out immediately.
|

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

V. I walk down another street.
​

I'm to read this at least 3x daily ~ we're working my getting some distance & boundaries from the emotional turmoil surrounding me at this time.

therapist told me I've walked down this street so many times & have attempted to avoid that hole but to no avail.

I thought I'd share it with you if it helps, otherwise "nevermind".


​

 

[hearts and roses]

I like it! It is sort of comical, for sure - so ridiculous are the amount of times we find ourselves repeating those old stupid behaviors. I'm going to print it out and hang a copy on my fridge for everyone here to read.

 

[klmno]

I like that a lot. I think I'll copy it and put it up for difficult child and me when he comes home.

 

[WhymeMom?]

Easier to see what I'm doing wrong when put in simple terms.......... Thanks for posting and sharing sensible advice........, but I'm still stuck on how to get out of the hole......... guess I'll just carry a ladder around all the time........