The grandson used to play Monopoly with his grandmother
every year. But he never had a single chance to win the game. Grandma was
monopolizing the win. This puzzled him. Plus, it was humiliating.
Grandson once inquired his grandma how that happens.
“Son,” grandma said, “it’s all about acquiring and owning
things. In this game, I try my best to acquire and own properties and houses as
much as possible. That is the success of my life too.”
Grandson listened in silence. He took care not to forget a
single word. When they played the game next year, grandson won the game.
“Look grandma, I listened to your words last time and this
time I could beat you.”
Grandma smiled.
“Son, I am so proud of you. You have done so well in the
game. But son, you got to keep this in mind too. Whatever you acquire and own,
you have to put them back in the box when the game is over.”
I remember my whole family (my wife and parents) was present
when my brother narrated this tale. That was the day when he gifted me a
saffron-coloured notebook. My brother wanted to encourage us all, but the story
inspired me in particular. It encouraged me to practise letting go.
True, there are things you cannot simply let go. But in my
life, there is only a few that is hard to let go.
