Monkey Trap

 

“Whatcha doin’ Uncle Richard?”

That was my niece, Katie.

“I’m writing about a monkey trap.” I told her.

“What’s that?”

I explained that in some Asian countries, they’ve created an effective way to catch monkeys. A slot is made in the bottom of a coconut, just big enough for the monkey to slide its hand in and not big enough for its hand to be withdrawn when clenched. Then they put something sweet in the coconut, attach it to a tree, and wait for the monkey to come along.

Then, I decided to test my 9-year-old niece’s cognitive ability (that’s what uncles do).

I asked, “What has the monkey trapped?”

“The coconut!” she said.

“Does the coconut really have the monkey trapped?” I pushed.

“Ummm…the tree!” she exclaimed.

“Katie…you’re thinking like an adult.”

A look of deep contemplation covered her face.

Then my niece declared, “A decision!”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Sometimes…we’re a lot like monkeys.

We get trapped by refusing to let go of the very thing that keeps us stuck, creating a personal prison we have the freedom to walk away from any time we choose.

Consider the beliefs, habits, and people you’re holding on to.

What (or who) needs to be released?

Your freedom is a decision away (just ask Katie).

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2 minute readRich SchlentzPersonal GrowthComment