Do you remember that moment in time when you just knew you needed to make a change?
You may have felt a loud ringing in your ears as the world moved around you, yet, your limbs were frozen in time.
I still smile and make the same funny sound, every time I recall that moment for me, because in hind sight, it was so clear, but I just didn’t see it.
I was too busy indulging in the stories.
The countless hours I’d spent hoping, wishing and venting – thinking “if only” things would change, I’d finally be happy and fulfilled.
But, as you probably know, life and relationships don’t work that way.
I’m not sure how many times I walked right into the “dark hole” before I finally decided to go around, and eventually, chose a completely different path.
What I can tell you is that once I decided to change my story and accept responsibility for creating my own happiness is when true love and joy arrived.
Making a commitment to create positive change is not an easy endeavor.
Trust me, you’ll want a reliable buddy to walk along side you when you feel weary.
Thankfully, I had an encouraging, honest and insightful coach and mentor who listened and helped me think and see outside the box.
I was super blessed to have this resource and go-to support person be my awesome, loving and insightful mother.
As we reach the 5th anniversary of her passing, I want to honor her and the support she graciously offered me year after year by sharing Portia Nelson’s Autobiography in Five Short Chapters with you – because this story was the catalyst that nudged me to:
- Take responsibility for the choices I had been making in my relationships
- And, acknowledge it was time to change the behaviors that were keeping me miserable and stuck
So, if you or your teenage daughter are:
- Ignoring or short-cutting your needs
- Lingering in a relationship where you feel disrespected and undervalued
- Constantly making excuses for your behavior and choices
You’ll want to read this together …
Chapter 1
I walk, down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost … I am hopeless.
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 takes 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 is there.
I fall in … it’s a habit.
My eyes open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
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.
The End.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
What would you do?
Learning how to take responsibility for your choices and tweaking your attitude is never an easy task.
And, it can be tough to muster up the energy to get out of the “dark hole” when you’re exhausted and feeling weak.
However, the good news is … you have options.
There is always another way to do things, a different approach, another choice.
Are you ready to discover your own path and write a new story?
You don’t need permission.
Go ahead, write your first sentence now.
Where will your journey take you?
