Yo! Crack it. It’s A Coconut.

There’s something about a coconut. Rough on the outside, smooth and sweet on the inside—if you can get there. A coconut doesn’t just open up because you ask nicely. It takes effort, the right tools, and sometimes, a little force. But once it opens? You’re rewarded with nourishment, refreshment, and a unique kind of satisfaction.

And isn’t that just like life? Hmmm…

We all walk around with our own version of a hard shell—protection, pride, past hurts, or simply the instinct to guard our peace. But inside, each of us holds something pure. Kindness, wisdom, creativity, resilience. Often, it’s the ones who appear the hardest to crack who are holding the richest truths within.

Here’s the twist: sometimes you’re the coconut. You with me?

You may feel like you’re just rolling along—toughened by what you’ve been through, guarded because you’ve had to be. But don’t forget there’s goodness in you that the world needs. Don’t become so closed off that no one gets to taste the sweetness of who you are.

And sometimes, you’re the one holding the tools—helping someone else peel back a layer of their own story. Be gentle. Be patient. Understand that not everything has to be pried open in a rush. Some people open up with warmth, not pressure.

Coconuts teach us:

• Protect what matters, but don’t forget to share your essence.

• Not everyone can access your soft spot, and that’s okay. Not everyone is meant to.

• When something is hard to open, it doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.

A Lesson in Cracking Open

Years ago, I worked with someone who barely said a word. Bright eyes, quick wit—if you were paying attention—but that shell? Solid. They gave short answers, avoided eye contact, and rarely smiled. For a while, I tried all the usual tools: encouragement, conversation starters, even humor. Nothing.

One day, I complimented on the shoes they were sporting.. Just a simple, honest “Nice kicks—those are fresh.” That was it. They looked up, smiled just a little, and said, “Thanks. My fam gave me these before he passed.”

And there it was—the first crack. From then on, they opened more and more, sharing stories, helping others, even becoming a mentor to younger students. All it took was a moment of genuine connection. Not pressure. Just presence.

We don’t always know what people are holding inside, or what it takes to let it out. But I’ll always remember: every coconut has a story. Every person does too.

So today, whether you feel like the one needing to be cracked open, or the one holding the tool—approach gently, listen well, and know that what’s inside is worth it.

Crack it. With care. With intention. With wisdom.

Because inside the hardest shell can be the most refreshing truth.

Smiles R Contagious by #Learnedman