It was spring. The sun was shining and the birds were singing as I was walking to work looking forward to another great day at the new job I had worked so hard to land. It was a
great place to work, good people, fun work, fantastic environment, the clients and boss loved me. Little did I realize how much my life would change in such a short time when I encountered “The Hole”. The Hole simply stated is the experience we encounter if we don’t pay attention to the signs we see every day and ignore. Allow me to explain my experience.
Day one: I was walking to work that day and had a great deal on my mind. I had an argument with a co-worker, my girlfriend was unhappy with my “obsession” with work, my friends complained I never came around anymore, and my parents never heard from me. As I was walking and rationalizing these things out loud I suddenly fell into a very large hole. It came out of nowhere. I never saw it coming. It was deep, dark, scary, and I couldn’t get out. I was afraid. I could not get out alone. My day now became worse. I rationalized that this wasn’t my fault. Why weren’t their signs posted that a hole was here? Why wasn’t someone here to help me? I did not deserve this. This was the first stage of my experience.
Day two: I walked down the same street. The birds did not sing and the clouds covered the brightness and warmth of the sun. I was not happy. I saw the hole. It was enormous! I saw a great many signs that said “DANGER”. As I fell into the hole again I remember thinking “why am I doing this, its dark, its cold, and I’m afraid.” It seemed like forever before anyone noticed I was there. I could not get out alone, again. This was the second stage of my experience.
Day three: I was walking down the same street. It was slightly warmer than the day before. As I approached the hole I took notice of the jagged edges I could have really hurt myself on the days before. It was the largest hole ever in existence in all of mankind. I looked around and found something to make a larger warning sign with. I didn’t want anyone who came behind me to fall for fear of hurting themselves. I made it large, very large so everyone could see. I remember feeling that I had done such a wonderful thing as I walked around the hole. It felt so good to know someone wouldn’t have to go through what I went through. I cringed when I heard someone scream as they fell into the hole behind me. This was the third stage of my experience.
Day four: The sun was shining and the birds were singing as I walked down a different street. This was the final stage of my experience.

Now when I walk to work (or anywhere for that matter) I pay close attention to all the wonderful things I had missed and taken for granted and didn’t take the time to notice the days before. I enjoy my walks more now. I seem to walk a lot these days. I hear a lot of people behind me falling into the hole. I guess they didn’t see the signs either