I came across this yesterday via the January newsletter of the lovely Marian Keyes. Marian suffers from bouts of depression and is suffering at the moment. Instead of writing her usual newsletter, Marian wrote a short piece to let everyone know that she wishes them a happy new year and that she is laid low with depression at the moment. She finished off with some quotes about depression which help her and to encourage and support others who find themselves in the same position. This one grabbed me and is by far my favourite:
AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS
by Portia Nelson
Chapter 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.
Chapter 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 isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter 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 I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Chapter IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter V
I walk down another street.
It’s a really good poem, & very helpful & thought-provoking.
It’s sad about Marian. I love her books, even though I’m a bloke, and I’ve actually managed to get some girls hooked on her.
She brings joy to so many people, and is depressed herself. I hope she gets well soon.
Thanks tinman18 I enjoyed it too, it’s nice to know that there are lots of people out there who feel the same as you do when you feel down or when you are depressed.
Just found your blog today – Enjoyed reading through it 🙂
I’ve always thought this little homily has a dreadful message: leave everything to someone else, let someone else fix it, move on. What if the ending were: I filled the hole and now everyone can walk on that street without danger?