Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys

Image: By Dominik Schröder via Unsplash

Image: By Dominik Schröder via Unsplash

On this day in 1884, the Ringling Brothers Circus premiered in Baraboo, Wisconsin.  In 1907 Ringling acquired the Barnum & Bailey Circus and merged the two in 1919 to become Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, otherwise known as The Greatest Show on Earth.

From what I understand, the phrase “Not my circus, not my monkeys” is an old Polish proverb.

Personally, I’d like to use it a bit more often.  Wouldn’t we all?

Just think about how many times daily, or weekly, you get involved in something that’s not really your responsibility. Then either because someone asks for help, or a boss demands your help, or maybe because you see the solution when no one else can, you find yourself in the middle.

It’s all about knowing how and when to say no.

You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Available on this shirt and  other products from The Write Side Shop (click to order)

Available on this shirt and other products from The Write Side Shop

Actually, my trouble is I know exactly what it means.  I just don’t use it often enough.

Can you write this?  Can you edit this?  Can you design this?

Well, of course I can.

The question is, will I?

Usually my answer is yes, of course I will.

The circus is in town and I’m in the center ring.

No.

It’s a good word.

I’d like to get to know it better.

Incidentally, not necessarily filmed on this day, the movie, The Greatest Show on Earth, remains one of my favorites.


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