
Nicholas and the Sage Monkey
By Josué Juaspuezán

20 Mar, 2024

Nicolás was a young man living in a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and lush forests. He was known for his kind heart and adventurous spirit. Yet, despite his best efforts, he constantly found himself lost in a sea of uncertainty about his future.

One bright morning, Nicolás wandered through the woods. He stumbled upon a clearing where he found a wise-looking monkey sitting atop a moss-covered rock, its eyes gleaming with intelligence.

Intrigued, Nicholas approached the monkey cautiously. "Hello there," he greeted, surprised to find an animal capable of understanding him. The monkey nodded in response, its expression serene yet knowing.

"I'm Nicolás," he introduced himself, feeling a strange sense of familiarity in the monkey's presence. "And I am Wisely," the monkey replied in flawless English, much to Nicholas's amazement.

Nicolás confessed to Wisely about his struggles to find his true path in life. Wisely studied Nicholas with keen eyes before speaking again. "Perhaps I can offer you some insight, Nicholas," he said.

Wisely asked Nicholas about his dreams and what he hoped to achieve. After some thought, Nicholas replied, "I've always wanted to make a difference, to leave my mark on the world. But I don't know how."

Wisely nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, the pursuit of purpose. It is a noble quest, but one that requires patience and perseverance. Have you ever heard of 'carpe diem'?" he asked.

Nicolás furrowed his brow, trying to recall where he had heard the phrase before. "Seize the day," he murmured, the words resonating with him. But he wondered what it truly meant.

Wisely explained the concept of 'carpe diem' to Nicolás. "It means embracing the present moment, seizing every opportunity that comes your way," he said. "If you wish to shape your destiny, you must first learn to appreciate the journey."

Nicolás listened intently, his heart swelling with newfound understanding. He asked Wisely how he could seize the day and embrace change. Wisely smiled knowingly at Nicholas's question.

Wisely advised Nicolás to face his fears head-on and to see every obstacle as an opportunity in disguise. It was the way one responded to challenges that truly defined them, he explained.

With Wisely's guidance, Nicolás embarked on a journey of self-discovery, determined to seize the day and carve out his own destiny. He felt a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

As Nicolás ventured forth, he encountered various trials and tribulations. But with each setback, he grew stronger and more resilient. His experiences started to shape his character.

One day, Nicolás found himself in a situation where his courage was tested. He was fearful, but he remembered Wisely's words and confronted his fear head-on, turning the situation into an opportunity.

With time, Nicolás started to notice a significant change in himself. He had become more confident and assertive. He was no longer the lost soul he once was; he had found his purpose.

Nicolás returned to Wisely, his heart filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Wisely," he said. "You have taught me more than I could have ever learned on my own. I am ready to face whatever comes my way."

Wisely looked at Nicolás with pride. "Remember, Nicolás, life is not a destination, but a journey. Continue to seize each day, and you will surely make your mark on the world," he said.

Nicolás left the clearing with a determined stride, ready to seize the day. He was no longer afraid of the unknown. He had found his purpose and was ready to make a difference in the world.

As the seasons changed and the years passed, Nicolás blossomed into a confident and purposeful young man. He was a beacon of hope and inspiration for those around him, guiding them through their own journeys of self-discovery.

Wisely, from his perch on the mossy rock, watched as Nicolás journeyed on. He was proud of the man Nicolás had become. In his heart, he knew that Nicolás would continue to seize the day, leaving a lasting impact on the world.

Nicolás story serves as a powerful reminder that we are the masters of our own destiny. With courage, perseverance, and a little help from unexpected sources, we can find our purpose and make our mark on the world.