I'd say my knowledge of poetry is limited to the works of Pam Ayres (one for the oldies, check her out).
But there is one poem that I share with my clients when they are stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and helplessness.
Understanding that they have a choice in relation to their feelings, thoughts and actions is incredibly liberating for them.
Once they are aware of this choice, then new possibilities abound.
And you. Have you reached Chapter 5?
'Autobiography in 5 Chapters' By Portia Nelson
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 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 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 … but, 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.
#coaching #awareness #choices
