Inspired Choice

Self-help poem -- Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters

I first experienced this reading while sitting in my spiritually-inspired synagogue in Chicago (Makom Shalom) during the Jewish New Year.  As I contemplated the year coming to a close and my desires to rededicate myself to strength, learning, personal and professional growth, I found the humor and wisdom here to remind me of habits, self-kindness, self-forgiveness and choices.

In my work as a coach and trainer, I help people to increase awareness, take responsibility and make different choices.  Where do you see yourself in this story? What hole do you need to walk around?

Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters
a poem by Portia Nelson, published in her book
There's a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery

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 forever to find a way out.

The Guest House Poem by Rumi

Read this inspiring poem or listen to a reading with a listening guide below. 

If you would like help interpreting how this fits in your life, call me at 773.477.4012 or email me.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing .
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~ Jelaluddin Rumi ~

From Essential Rumi

by Coleman Barks

13 century Persian poem