TeddysRule! (teddy bears) "I Walk Down the Street…"
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Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
In one of the most often cited pieces of ACA/ ACoA literature, Portia Nelson captures simply but eloquently the stages we pass through in recovery.


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 is not my fault.

It takes forever to find a way out.

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 is not 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.

My eyes are open.

I know where l 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.



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