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Published: June 14, 2022, 5 a.m.

I use all kinds of stories and metaphors in therapy\xa0 to help people actually remember a point. I\u2019m not sure when I started doing it, but there\u2019s something about a story or a picture that cements or anchors an idea in your mind. Just think about in Forrest Gump, the famous \u201cLife is like a box of chocolates\u201d and you\u2019ll understand.

So today, I want to read you a poem that I use all the time in therapy. The author, Portia Nelson\xa0was an American popular singer, songwriter, actress, and author.\xa0In 1965, she portrayed the cantankerous Sister Berthe in the film version of\xa0The Sound of Music,and on TV's\xa0All My Children\xa0Nelson played the long-running role of nanny Mrs. Gurney. Her book of poetic musings,\xa0There's a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery, became a mainstay of twelve-step programs.

Here's Portia's poem that can act as an anchor for you!

\u201cI 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.

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 me a long time to get out.

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.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

I walk down another street.\u201d

\u2015\xa0Portia Nelson,\xa0There's a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery

You can hear more about mental health and many other topics by listening to my podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford.\xa0Subscribe\xa0to my website and receive one weekly newsletter including my weekly blog post and podcast! If you\u2019d like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome!

My new book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression\xa0has arrived and you can order here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism which acts to mask underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by everyone who chooses to begin to address emotions long hidden away that are clouding and sabotaging your current life.

And there\u2019s a new way to send me a message! You can record by clicking below and ask your question or make a comment. You\u2019ll have 90 seconds to do so and that time goes quickly. By recording, you\u2019re giving SelfWork (and me) permission to use your voice on the podcast. I\u2019ll look forward to hearing from you!

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