Clients First: The Two Word Miracle

Chapter 28

Step 5

Set the Monkey Down

For all those years leading up to Clients First, I thought it was all up to me. Because JoAnn and I have a wonderful relationship and we share everything, she shared the burden with me, and it was all up to us. I am sure there were even times she thought it was all up to her. We carried the responsibility for our family and future like a monkey on our backs. But when we made our commitment to Clients First, we were able to set the monkey down.

At your fifth step, you, too, will become unburdened. You will stop pressing. You will find peace. You will find your way to get the monkey off your back.

Monkeys may be fabulous pets in real life. But in the dark world of emotions and responsibilities, monkeys are awful animals. They clutch and cling and weigh upon your back. They screech in your ear incessantly and pound at your head if they think they are being ignored. They must be fed and their messes cleaned up. And worst of all, they are nocturnal, becoming most active at night when you are alone with your thoughts, hoping for sleep, only to have your monkey clutching your shoulder and digging its nails into your skin.