For some encouragement

[just_confused]

My therapist gave me this poem last night for encouragement after I got sucked back in by my ex. It was helpful for me to keep from beating myself up over falling off the wagon. I hope it helps someone else. I am stuck between chapters 2 and 3:

Autobiography in 5 Short 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 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 take 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 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 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.

I hope this gives someone some inspiration to walk down another street. I'm trying. One day at a time.

Just Confused.

[chillamom]

Hi, Just Confused,

I loved this - started my morning out with both a knowing nod and a chuckle.  Thank you.  I, like many on here, am still figuring out how to get around that damn hole….climbed out for HOPEFULLY the last time about 5 weeks ago, but the damn thing still looms and I'm too stupid to take another route yet.  Have a good day, and thanks for this!

[LettingGo14]

Thank you.  I so needed that today as well.   We're in this together.

[oldweasel]

I needed this too, brought a tear to my eyes. Thanks for sharing.

[pinkparchment]

Thank you. I liked that. I think the pain of falling in the hole becomes such a part of our daily commute we start to feel incomplete without it.

[oldweasel]

"I think the pain of falling in the hole becomes such a part of our daily commute we start to feel incomplete without it."

Ain't that the truth, Pink!

[Kallor74]

I like the poem and it is very encourageing but your personal quote just_confused really spoke to me... "In a relationship, a man should make a woman blossom, not crush her spirit and a woman should make a man strong, not break him down". 

it is the ideal that i strive for.