An Autobiography in 5 Chapters

Life has been really busy for me. I'm wrapping up the last week of classes, coordinating schedules and funding for a curriculum project I'll be piloting in the fall and preparing for my next week with my teacher and mentor, Jack Canfield. As exciting as things are right now, I'm looking forward to a long stretch of unscheduled time that begins the first week of June!

But first, I have a June 1st deadline to meet  for my first book. The book is my story of transformation through several significant relationships in my life. It spans over fifty years of my life and goes beyond the physical realm.. As I do my last read through before submitting it to the publisher, I am clear about the contrast between where I was and where I am today. As challenging as things have been at times, I am grateful for the lessons learned, the skills acquired, and wisdom gained as well as for the people who have supported me on my  journey.

This morning, as I wait for my next class to arrive I came across a poem I would like to share with you. Different words, but it catches the essence of my story ... and I'm guessing yours as well :)

An Autobiography in 5 Chapters
by Portia Nelson

Chapter I

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost...helpless.
It isn't my fault.
But it takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 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 this same place.
It isn't my fault.
But it still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter III

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I fall in...it's a habit...but now my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter IV

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

Chapter V

I walk down a different street.

~Author Unknown