Choosing New Paths in 2014
Tis the season for reflection, but it's also time to think about next steps. Where does that process begin for you?
If you're like me, it's easiest to spend most of my energy around what has happened to me, rather than focusing on how well I responded to the circumstances.
I have more fun looking out the window at the world and finding explanations than looking at the mirror and thinking through how I could have improved.
Mirrors can be SO unpleasant.
A decade or so ago someone shared this poem (below) with me and it rocked my world. The Autobiography in Five Short Chapters made me rethink the blame game; it challenged my sense of personal responsibility.
The chapters don't apply to all of us equally, but regardless of where you are, I hope 2014 finds you walking down a street with perfect sidewalks!
Autobiography in Five Short Chapters By 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 me forever to find a way out.
II
I walk down the 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.
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 ... but, My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.
IV
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.
V
I walk down another street.