“Every time you feel yourself being pulled into other people’s drama, repeat these words “Not my circus, not my monkeys”.
I stumbled across this on a blogger-friend’s IG account and laughed at how a propos it was for a situation I just dealt with.
Having been a people-pleaser for most of my life, allowing myself to get pulled into other people’s circuses and trying to fix their monkeys used to be easy.
Over the years, I’ve gotten much, much much better at letting other people’s monkeys stay where they belong unless it’s an exceptional circumstance but I recently had an exceptional situation and very glad that it’s over (that I won’t get into detail).
That funny little graphic reminded me that sometimes, even when I have the best of intentions of helping someone see the light, if that person is hell bent on not seeing the forest for the trees, I have to step back – way, way, way back.
It reminded me that while some people can avoid making possibly disastrous/life-threatening mistakes by listening to the lived experiences of others, other people simply need to experience things for themselves.
When that monkey falls hard from the tree, head first and comes running back trying to lay blame because I should have insisted on making them listen, I will need to remember this graphic.
I’ll offer a supportive ear and maybe a banana but zero advice will flow from my lips. I will also not let the monkey back in because I’ve got my own circus monkeys to deal with.
Yeah, I’m talking in crazy riddles (for a reason) but I think that you get the picture.
What words of wisdom speak to you these days? Share with me in the comment box.
See you tomorrow.
Bisous,
M xoxo
Marquessa 
If my children ask for my counsel, I give it. But anyone and everyone else… I have nothing to say. My brain tells me to remain silent… then shuts down! Life is so much easier now. 😀
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Exactly! When you are asked, you give it but otherwise NOPE! 🙂
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I give advice where there is reason to think the person actually **needs** my advice. That is, where their life will be materially better for what I have to say. I recently taught a young lady how to wind her bobbins with the machine, instead of doing it by hand. I hope it will keep her enthusiasm fresh long enough that she can have a career in sewing and fashion.
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Materially is a good thing. You’ve taught her a skill she’ll be able to use forever!
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Love this proverb! I try to follow this one: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything. I’ve gotten better at defining “nice”; or maybe it’s the passive aggressive in me …
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I follow your saying as well. Its easier just to say nothing. 🤐
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It took me a long time to realize this personal addendum I have to the famous wisdom with my own little adage: ‘Keep your monkeys in your own yard’ – because in my hardened authenticity, I have the propensity to spread around my own issues not realizing how it affects others.
Not only are other peoples issues not mine to solve, but my issues aren’t theirs to solve either.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful image – I had to save it too 🖤
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That is VERY wise and I love the advice. I was offered it, and have been offered it over the past few years many times, but often I fail to heed it’s very prudent warning. Often it’s best if we just walk away from a conflict that doesn’t involve us, except peripherally perhaps, especially if someone else (one of the conflict-ees) tries to drag us into it. Here’s my own words on this excellent prompt topic today! http://sparksfromacombustiblemind.com/2020/07/29/30-days-of-writing-challenge-day-6/
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Thanks for sharing your post. I just left you a note. 💜
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I love this. The “proverb” I carry with me is similar: “mind your own, you live long.”
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I love yours as well. Going to add to my list of sayings. 😁
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