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How to Be a Curious Monkey

By on May 12, 2010 in Living Your Truth

Guest post by Wendy Maynard.

I’m a tryer on of things. Perhaps it comes from being born in the Year of the Monkey, but I’m driven by curiosity. I want to know firsthand…to taste…to feel…to explore. I desire a myriad of experiences.

In college, I tried on a sorority. I tried on feminism. I tried on sports. I tried on pre-med, art classes, nursing school, public relations, and journalism. And I tried on a hell of a lot of different kinds of parties. Some fit well and others did not.

And in each of these places, I found bits of what is true in me.

After college, I tried on living in Florida, Atlanta, Colorado, and Oregon. I tried on traveling. And I tried on staying put. I tried on corporate life and I tried on entrepreneurship.

In all of these experiences, I discovered morsels of my own perfect gospel.

I’ve tried on many relationships. I’ve been to Burning Man and Mardi Gras. I’ve salsa danced and tantric danced and belly danced. I’ve invested in real estate and the stock market. I’ve made money and I’ve lost money. I’ve had successes and failures.

Each one of these undertakings has opened up new windows inside myself, allowing me to see a new facet of my multi-passionate psyche.

I am a seeker. I am on an unending and relentless quest to uncover my truth.

I’ve giggled at the peak of a mountain, cried in the desert, and screamed at the night. I’ve hated myself and loved myself. I’ve been kind, compassionate, loving…and I’ve been mean, judgmental, and curmudgeonly. I’ve loved and I’ve lost and I’ve let go.

And knowing those things are all part of living my truth.

Find what is true in you.

Do whatever it takes. Let no class be left unattended. No trip left untraveled. No path left unwalked in your quest to find your true self. Find what is calling you. Listen to your inner whispers.

Yes, this will take you though pain and failure and fear. But, it will also result in discovering your passions. You will unveil the truths inside you. And at the end of your life, you’ll be able to look back and say “Hell yes! That was the ride of my life!”

The people who are truly creating long-lasting, success know themselves.

They know their truth. They live their truth.

And to be clear, truth is absolutely and utterly different for every one of us. Some of us will choose to live in a mansion and others will choose to sleep under the stars.

There is no right answer. There is only the answer that is right for you.

When you start focusing on how you can expand and grow through living your truth, beautiful, wonderful, magical things begin to happen. You magnetically attract your right audience. They come flocking to you in droves. People have an internal radar that recognizes individuals who are in their own truth. Because they feel the passion. They sense authenticity.

Finding your truth and living in it day by day, minute by minute is not an easy road. It means you take the most frightening path. You begin to do those things that scare you the most. When we are pushing our own envelope, it feels absolutely, insanely terrifying. And it may take you through profound changes in your work life, your relationships, and your inner world. You will shift. You will rock your foundation and your core.

But, for anyone who really wants to create success and freedom, here’s the thing. It is essential to find your truth.

To live the life you really want, you have to get uncomfortable. You abandon the illusion of security that is daily routine. It starts with your willingness to take risks, leaping into those places that scare you the most. And you know what they are.

You have to look in the mirror and say, “Screw you fear! I am done with your lies.” And instead of listening to the stories you’ve played in a loop inside your head over and over, begin to ask, “Is this true? Is this my truth?” And the barriers that have prevented you from being your biggest self will begin to fall away.

This is when life becomes really delicious. It’s when you are raw and energized and in love with every single person that you meet. You are connected to your true self.

So do what it takes to step into your full power as a human being. Be curious at every turn. Keep asking “Why?” Find your Great Work. And then be wildly generous with your assets. Share your joys and your gifts with others.

Speak your truth. Embrace your truth. Live your truth.

And I’ll be right there with you on the journey.

So adventurer, what do you seek? Let me know in the comments below…

About Wendy Maynard: Wendy writes MavenDiary.com, a blog about how inspired entrepreneurs can express our truth through personal branding and online marketing.

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  • http://oneblueberry.com/ LaVonne Ellis

    Whoa, Wendy — great stuff! You reminded me of an exchange I had with my son years ago: “Why are you always trying new things, Mom? They never work out.” “I’m playing the percentages. Eventually, something’s got to stick.” And that particular thing, radio, did stick.

    What do I seek now? Good question. I’ve already found it, to be honest: community. People who understand me and encourage me, and for whom I can return the favor. I seek more of that.

    • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

      Hi LaVonne, Isn’t it wonderful to find a place to call home? My seeking has become increasingly refined. I now have a husband, community, friends, family, and business that I all love. It’s the deeper seeking now…the nuances of experiences that I crave. (Oh, and the ongoing quest for sleep since I have a toddler). (-:

  • http://www.melaniward.com Melani Ward

    Great post Wendy. I was sooooooo the seeker. For a good 35 years. It was fun and it will I guess, in some way, always be part of my personality but over the past 5 years I have found the rewards of giving that indulgence up. Leaving the “seeker” behind and realizing that what I was seeking was already at my feet has given me more peace, success, happiness and fulfillment than I ever had trying to find the thing or the answers in something or someone else. I’ll never stop trying things but I’m done seeking. What I seek is already here. That’s what’s truth for me.

    Thanks,

    Melani

    • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

      Melani, “What I seek is already here.” That’s beautiful. Isn’t it amazing when we discover that the shift isn’t in the world around us..but within ourselves to finally open our eyes to what’s right in front of us? Love that.

  • http://www.productivepen.com Evelyn

    Fabulous post. I have been a seeker in the past, but all of that seeking and never finding began to take on a life of its own. It became more about the seeking and not giving myself enough time to find anything and settle in with it, and see what worked for me. The moment things got uncomfortable I figured it wasn’t working, so off I’d go.

    With age come wisdom and learning to look inward rather than seeking external things. Living your truth is a powerful thing. Bravo, Wendy. ;-)

    • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

      I used to be like that too. I think a lot of times I was just keeping myself busy so that I didn’t have to be alone with myself. You know what really helped me to spend time without other people? Maybe this sounds ludicrous – but it was getting a dog. I could hang out with my dog and actually spend time hiking or walking or just being. It helped me to settle into myself.

      • http://oneblueberry.com/ LaVonne Ellis

        You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about wanting a dog. I can’t have one in
        my apartment, though, so it’s part of my long-range plan for moving out to
        the sticks. I also want to drive around the country, and the thought of
        going alone just seems sad to me — but with a dog? Great! Interesting how
        that changes things. I like to be alone, but then I feel lonely. A dog would
        be just the right amount of company.

        • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

          I have cats too. But they just aren’t the same. Somehow a dog is perfect for helping the “being alone, but not lonely” state. And they are so darn excited about everything you want to do!

  • http://whoisrachelhall.com Rachel Hall

    I am a Monkey too, this could explain a lot. Never settling in one place,
    trying different things and places. Have slowed down a bit, but not stopped.
    Great article though.

    • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

      Hi Monkey Sister!

  • kimberlywagner

    There are so many that believe ‘life is over’ once you are no longer a teenager, but those who truly embrace life know that’s not true. Individuals who constantly seek new experiences know that they are always changing, evolving as they know themselves better. Be someone who embraces learning, change, and new experiences to challenge yourself to grow throughout the lifespan.

    • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

      Hi Kimberly, Wow I couldn’t have said that any better… Yes, I wish that for all of us!

  • http://completeflake.com/ LaVonne Ellis

    Whoa, Wendy — great stuff! You reminded me of an exchange I had with my son years ago: “Why are you always trying new things, Mom? They never work out.” “I'm playing the percentages. Eventually, something's got to stick.” And that particular thing, radio, did stick.

    What do I seek now? Good question. I've already found it, to be honest: community. People who understand me and encourage me, and for whom I can return the favor. I seek more of that.

  • http://www.CashAndJoy.com Catherine Caine

    Heck yeah, Wendy! I’m a seeker and an experimenter too.

    The nice thing I’ve found is that it’s been one of the most powerful tools in my business. I keep trying new ideas and growing every time.

    • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

      Woooot Wooot! That’s why I like you so much, Catherine.

  • http://www.melaniward.com Melani Ward

    Great post Wendy. I was sooooooo the seeker. For a good 35 years. It was fun and it will I guess, in some way, always be part of my personality but over the past 5 years I have found the rewards of giving that indulgence up. Leaving the “seeker” behind and realizing that what I was seeking was already at my feet has given me more peace, success, happiness and fulfillment than I ever had trying to find the thing or the answers in something or someone else. I'll never stop trying things but I'm done seeking. What I seek is already here. That's what's truth for me.

    Thanks,

    Melani

  • http://www.productivepen.com Evelyn

    Fabulous post. I have been a seeker in the past, but all of that seeking and never finding began to take on a life of its own. It became more about the seeking and not giving myself enough time to find anything and settle in with it, and see what worked for me. The moment things got uncomfortable I figured it wasn't working, so off I'd go.

    With age come wisdom and learning to look inward rather than seeking external things. Living your truth is a powerful thing. Bravo, Wendy. ;-)

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    Hi LaVonne, Isn't it wonderful to find a place to call home? My seeking has become increasingly refined. I now have a husband, community, friends, family, and business that I all love. It's the deeper seeking now…the nuances of experiences that I crave. (Oh, and the ongoing quest for sleep since I have a toddler). (-:

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    Melani, “What I seek is already here.” That's beautiful. Isn't it amazing when we discover that the shift isn't in the world around us..but within ourselves to finally open our eyes to what's right in front of us? Love that.

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    I used to be like that too. I think a lot of times I was just keeping myself busy so that I didn't have to be alone with myself. You know what really helped me to spend time without other people? Maybe this sounds ludicrous – but it was getting a dog. I could hang out with my dog and actually spend time hiking or walking or just being. It helped me to settle into myself.

  • http://completeflake.com/ LaVonne Ellis

    You know, I've been thinking a lot about wanting a dog. I can't have one in
    my apartment, though, so it's part of my long-range plan for moving out to
    the sticks. I also want to drive around the country, and the thought of
    going alone just seems sad to me — but with a dog? Great! Interesting how
    that changes things. I like to be alone, but then I feel lonely. A dog would
    be just the right amount of company.

  • http://knitbenimble.com Linnea

    Wowwow Wendy,

    Great post, thank you. I’ve been a seeker most of my life so can really relate to what you are saying and it really is a challenge but oh so much more rewarding when coming from your own “core” and not someone else’s.

    Sadly, we’re raised to ‘do what we are told’ and not trained to follow our truth in fact, quite the contrary. How many times have young people been advised that they can’t do this or that because they ‘can’t’ make a living doing it.

    Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration.

    • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

      Yeah, I think a lot of people start boxing in their kids from Day 1. My husband and I talk a lot about our toddler, wondering what he will want to do. We are fully committed to supporting him in finding HIS path, not the one we think he should be on. For example, my hubbie is a Pro DH Mtn bike racer and really hopes Ripley will be into bikes. But, he always says, “I hope that’s somethingg he wants to do. If he doesn’t, that’s ok.” If I can raise a person who is a seeker, then I’ve done ok!

  • http://whoisrachelhall.com Rachel Hall

    I am a Monkey too, this could explain a lot. Never settling in one place,
    trying different things and places. Have slowed down a bit, but not stopped.
    Great article though.

  • kimberlywagner

    There are so many that believe 'life is over' once you are no longer a teenager, but those who truly embrace life know that's not true. Individuals who constantly seek new experiences know that they are always changing, evolving as they know themselves better. Be someone who embraces learning, change, and new experiences to challenge yourself to grow throughout the lifespan.

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    I have cats too. But they just aren't the same. Somehow a dog is perfect for helping the “being alone, but not lonely” state. And they are so darn excited about everything you want to do!

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    Hi Monkey Sister!

  • http://www.BeAwesomeOnline.com Catherine Caine

    Heck yeah, Wendy! I'm a seeker and an experimenter too.

    The nice thing I've found is that it's been one of the most powerful tools in my business. I keep trying new ideas and growing every time.

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    Hi Kimberly, Wow I couldn't have said that any better… Yes, I wish that for all of us!

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    Woooot Wooot! That's why I like you so much, Catherine.

  • http://knitbenimble.com Linnea

    Wowwow Wendy,

    Great post, thank you. I've been a seeker most of my life so can really relate to what you are saying and it really is a challenge but oh so much more rewarding when coming from your own “core” and not someone else's.

    Sadly, we're raised to 'do what we are told' and not trained to follow our truth in fact, quite the contrary. How many times have young people been advised that they can't do this or that because they 'can't' make a living doing it.

    Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration.

  • http://lawofattractiontutor.com Ally Osborne

    I love your post and your story,Wendy. I love your chinese monkey analogy- very appealing! Dave and I have 5 kids between us so I am off to find out what they all are! I am a dragon though :-/. I am pleased to say living my truth at last and being out on the edge of my own development I do feel like an adventurer which is an exhilarating place to be but its great to connect and feel the support of other adventurers out there too!
    Thanks,
    Ally

    • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

      Wow – 5 kids. It sounds like a wonderfully chaotic household! Congrats to you for living your truth. Read more of Elizabeth’s stuff – she is an amazing inspiration for living your truth! There are a whole bunch of us that “hang out” on her blog, so stop by again and we’ll keep supporting you!

  • http://lawofattractiontutor.com Ally Osborne

    I love your post and your story,Wendy. I love your chinese monkey analogy- very appealing! Dave and I have 5 kids between us so I am off to find out what they all are! I am a dragon though :-/. I am pleased to say living my truth at last and being out on the edge of my own development I do feel like an adventurer which is an exhilarating place to be but its great to connect and feel the support of other adventurers out there too!
    Thanks,
    Ally

  • http://talkingshrimp.com/blog LBelgray

    I, too, am a tryer-on-er. When I try something on, I wear it day in day out till it stinks. I go whole hog. Obsesso. My salsa phase? I wore that one for 3 years and didn’t take it off the whole time. I slept in it.

    Tryer-on-ers are seen as phase-y. “Oh, here she goes again. Another phase.” That might be true. But then there are people who’d like to try all these things and never do, because they’re scared. So. I’d rather be the one with the crazy phases.

    • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

      Hi Laura, I love your description! Of course, you always did have a way with words! (-: I have some friends who are like you and do the whole hog! I’m more of a dabbler. I try a bunch of things and get pretty good at some.

  • http://sallyg.me Sally G.

    Hi Wendy – great wisdom here. I’ve been thinking back over my life since reading your post ~ and I believe I am one who is willing to take risks … but is not impulsive about it. I tend to observe, then ruminate, then forecast the potential results (including the wonder that is beyond my imagining if a best case scenario is in the cards) in alignment with the time, energy, etc. invested. Feel how cumbersome all that is?

    And yet ~ I’ve dared more than many I know. And I never regret a decision once I’ve committed to it – regardless of the outcome.

    I loved your video too. You’ve received tips from the best, I see. I loved spending time here with you. Thank you!

    • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

      Hi Sally,

      Thanks so much for your feedback on the video.! You seem to be trying some new stuff on right now in your life judging by some of your posts. I can’t wait to see what you finally decide to “wear”!

      • http://sallyg.me Sally G.

        You and me both Wendy ~ all this ‘connecting to Self’ can be exhausting!! Pick an outfit and wear it already! Sheesh.

        Your video presence is warm and inviting. A perfect balance of joie de vivre and true desire for the listener to walk away thinking, “Wow, I’m glad I made time for that today.” Your voice is very pleasing to listen to – and you’ve mastered the Tyra Banks ‘Smeyes’ (Smiling with the Eyes if you don’t watch America’s Top Model). This really draws us in and engages us more.

        Your focus is terrific too. You know where the lens is and you make the most of ‘eye contact’ with the listener. Not everyone manages that – and we’re left listening to a talking hairline or eyes that appear a little closed.

        So overall – I loved it. I’ll let you know when I’ve finished the outfit changing and have settled on a look I’ll carry forward, even if only for awhile …

        • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

          Sally – you excel in the spreading of joy. You just made my day with your video review (-:

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    Yeah, I think a lot of people start boxing in their kids from Day 1. My husband and I talk a lot about our toddler, wondering what he will want to do. We are fully committed to supporting him in finding HIS path, not the one we think he should be on. For example, my hubbie is a Pro DH Mtn bike racer and really hopes Ripley will be into bikes. But, he always says, “I hope that's somethingg he wants to do. If he doesn't, that's ok.” If I can raise a person who is a seeker, then I've done ok!

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    Wow – 5 kids. It sounds like a wonderfully chaotic household! Congrats to you for living your truth. Read more of Elizabeth's stuff – she is an amazing inspiration for living your truth! There are a whole bunch of us that “hang out” on her blog, so stop by again and we'll keep supporting you!

  • http://talkingshrimp.com/blog Laura Belgray

    I, too, am a tryer-on-er. When I try something on, I wear it day in day out till it stinks. I go whole hog. Obsesso. My salsa phase? I wore that one for 3 years and didn't take it off the whole time. I slept in it.

    Tryer-on-ers are seen as phase-y. “Oh, here she goes again. Another phase.” That might be true. But then there are people who'd like to try all these things and never do, because they're scared. So. I'd rather be the one with the crazy phases.

  • http://sallyg.me Sally G.

    Hi Wendy – great wisdom here. I've been thinking back over my life since reading your post ~ and I believe I am one who is willing to take risks … but is not impulsive about it. I tend to observe, then ruminate, then forecast the potential results (including the wonder that is beyond my imagining if a best case scenario is in the cards) in alignment with the time, energy, etc. invested. Feel how cumbersome all that is?

    And yet ~ I've dared more than many I know. And I never regret a decision once I've committed to it – regardless of the outcome.

    I loved your video too. You've received tips from the best, I see. I loved spending time here with you. Thank you!

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    Hi Laura, I love your description! Of course, you always did have a way with words! (-: I have some friends who are like you and do the whole hog! I'm more of a dabbler. I try a bunch of things and get pretty good at some.

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    Hi Sally,

    Thanks so much for your feedback on the video.! You seem to be trying some new stuff on right now in your life judging by some of your posts. I can't wait to see what you finally decide to “wear”!

  • http://sallyg.me Sally G.

    You and me both Wendy ~ all this 'connecting to Self' can be exhausting!! Pick an outfit and wear it already! Sheesh.

    Your video presence is warm and inviting. A perfect balance of joie de vivre and true desire for the listener to walk away thinking, “Wow, I'm glad I made time for that today.” Your voice is very pleasing to listen to – and you've mastered the Tyra Banks 'Smeyes' (Smiling with the Eyes if you don't watch America's Top Model). This really draws us in and engages us more.

    Your focus is terrific too. You know where the lens is and you make the most of 'eye contact' with the listener. Not everyone manages that – and we're left listening to a talking hairline or eyes that appear a little closed.

    So overall – I loved it. I'll let you know when I've finished the outfit changing and have settled on a look I'll carry forward, even if only for awhile …

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    Sally – you excel in the spreading of joy. You just made my day with your video review (-:

  • http://www.AndreaVahl.com/ Andrea Vahl

    Thanks Wendy! I just turned 40 this year and I think the whole concept of living our truth is really resonating with me right now. It’s a journey and it’s not that I haven’t been living my truth before, it’s just that I was further away, doing things that weren’t really me. Doing something that was for someone else. And now it’s time to get to the me-ness.

    • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

      Hi Andrea! I think that when we commit to it, living our truth becomes our lifetime’s work. And what could be better? Congrats on your realizations!

  • http://www.GrandmaMaryShow.com/ Andrea Vahl

    Thanks Wendy! I just turned 40 this year and I think the whole concept of living our truth is really resonating with me right now. It's a journey and it's not that I haven't been living my truth before, it's just that I was further away, doing things that weren't really me. Doing something that was for someone else. And now it's time to get to the me-ness.

  • http://www.MavenDiary.com Wendy Maynard

    Hi Andrea! I think that when we commit to it, living our truth becomes our lifetime's work. And what could be better? Congrats on your realizations!