I am not sure who came up with this absolute gem of a phrase! It applies so well to all facets of life. Especially the ones which annoy us the most.

Neighbours poking their noses into your business and trying to make you feel ashamed — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

Move on! Next.

This phrase applies to situations which are out of our control. Plus we don’t really care about the whole situation itself! I mean life is short. Who has the time to waste on trivial pursuits?

Colleagues playing games and trying to bring you down. Petty politics. Jealous bosses. — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

Aunties at weddings, asking you when you are (a) getting married (b) having a baby (c) having more babies (d) getting promoted (e) going abroad (f) buying a house (g) buying a second home!? — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

Just step on the dance floor and do the Bhangra, babes! I came here to enjoy the wedding.

Criticisms come from all corners. Whether you are average, high achiever, ambitious, not ambitious, a stunning looker or an average Joe – nobody is spared.

1. You are too independent — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

2. You need to be a bit more independent — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

3. You are always dressed to the nines! Tone it down a bit — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

4. Have you thought of maybe consulting a stylist? Getting a makeover? Maybe you should talk to my designer. — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

5. What will you do with so much money anyway! Some day you have to get married and settle down like a decent person — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

6. Why don’t you look for a better paying job? It will help your family so much. — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

7. Don’t put so much makeup on. You look artificial. — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

8. Put some makeup on. Enhance those pretty features, else you look so drab. — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

9. This is the right time for <insert life event>. Else it will be too late! — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

10. But what is the hurry? You have your whole life ahead of you! — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

11. You can’t take a break (in studies / career / life in general). This is the time to achieve your goals. You will be left behind. — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

12. Maybe you need a break. — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

While I am busy moving to the beautiful music I have created for my life’s pace, I have these out-of-tune croaks forcing their voices into my melody. Wear those earphones of “I-don’t-give-a-damn!”, tune out the drama — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

Just look at those 3 jumping monkeys on this article. Do they look like they care for your opinions! I mean I keep saying these are not my monkeys and then I put literal monkeys on the top! Guess what the 3 little guys are calling me. — Not my circus. Not my monkey.

Fate intervenes in the best laid plans for all of us. Some things just can’t be controlled. It is bad enough that we are constantly fighting these small and big battles of control and surrender. Why add the additional burden of social police? Let them pick their fights elsewhere. In my courtyard all they shall get is — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

People come and go. Every individual leaves a mark of their own. Very few stick around for eternity. The ones who abandon ship weren’t meant to be for the long haul. Let them go! Lighten the burden on your heart. Let your heart sing. — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

Treasure the here and now. Take care of yourself first. Preserve those who look out for you and stand by you. Loved ones are few and far between. They are the ones who will always be around, come what may. Family, friends, your partner, children. This tiny cornucopia of people that we collect through life stays forever fragrant and lends brilliance and energy to living.

The world is big. There are so many places to go to. So many people to meet. Such cultures to discover. So many moments to live and cherish. Colourful vistas. Myriad languages. Exotic flavours. Music all around.

Divine music of nature.

Bird calls. Winds whistling. Sea waves crashing. Leaves crackling underfoot. Rain pattering. Tiny creatures go scurrying by. The whole universe dances to this music. Flowers head bang. Crickets chirp. Palms sound their basses. Streams go tinkling away. The swishing and swaying and pitter-patter is never ending.

With so much loveliness on offer, why would you allow a few simians take away your mojo? — Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

I have better things to do in my day. Every day. Every moment. I live and breathe for these daily moments. No circus creatures will be allowed entry into this tranquility.

And so I dance. So I live!