Autobiography in Five Short Chapters, by Portia Nelson

Painting by Dahlia Broul

Chapter 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.

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 the same place but, it isn't my fault. 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 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 IV - I walk down the same street. There is a deep hold in the sidewalk. I walk around it.

Chapter V - I walk down another street.