Tools for Intentional Living – Dr. J. Nickens

This is a nice little story by Portia Nelson that illustrates the kind of learning and changes that therapy makes possible.  It is re-printed here from the blog of Page Brockwell, ASW, a talented young therapist who I had the pleasure of supervising during her final months of training.  You can find out more about Page Brockwell – or make an appointment to see her by going to www.pagebrockwell.com on the web.

Life in Five Short Chapters

CHAPTER 1  I walk down the street. There’s a deep hole in the sidewalk. And 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 takes a long time to get out.

CHAPTER 3  I walk down the same street and there is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it there, and still I fall in. It’s a habit. But my eyes are open and I know where I am. It is my fault and 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 a different street.

Holes in your cosmos? As you walk, and write your own life story, remember that there is help available if you find yourself falling in to too many of those holes, and lingering there for much too long. 

Contact a therapist today.