Ladies, let’s take a moment and toast to that ever-ubiquitous phrase we’re all so tired of hearing: “Living your best life.” I mean, come on! In between sips of our morning lattes and chugging down an evening’s worth of herbal tea (sometimes wine, because let’s keep it real), most of us are simply hoping we put on matching shoes! But hold on, don’t chuck that planner or mood board just yet, because we’re about to delve into something delectably satisfying—curating your best life. The one you always think other women have. The one you think is just an illusion or worse-that you are so far past your sell by date that it’s impossible to break your old habits and really live the life that you’ve dreamt of for decades!
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Another buzzword? Really?!” Bear with me. You see, as a life coach, I’ve seen it all. The over-zealous Pinterest boards, the inspiration-filled Instagram profiles, and the quotes that could fill up entire libraries. Yet, how many of us can say we’ve truly curated our lives and not just our social media feeds?
Curating isn’t just about choosing the right filter or finding the perfect pairing of shoes and handbag (though, hats off if you’ve mastered that skill!). It’s about making conscious choices in our lives, creating an existence filled with purpose, passion, and, yes, the occasional missteps. It’s about learning, growing, and evolving with a dash of sass and a whole lot of grace. Think of life curation as your personal museum – where every exhibit (be it the tear-jerker moments or the roaring laughter ones) is a testament to your journey.
So, before you think this is just another “find your purpose” spiel, let me promise you: this is about owning every darn chapter, every spill, every coffee stain, and every leap of faith. Because darling, your life isn’t a highlight reel; it’s a beautifully intricate tapestry that deserves your utmost attention and dedication. And who better to be its curator than you? Let’s get to weaving, shall we?
The Art of Life Curation: Going Beyond the Buzz
First and foremost, curating isn’t just a fancified version of organizing. Oh no, it’s the love child of intention and discernment, spiced up with a little audacity. Let’s not pretend we haven’t had those Marie Kondo moments where we’ve asked if something “sparks joy,” only to be left staring at our sock drawer with existential dread. While Marie has a point (love you, girl!), life curation dives a tad deeper.
Curating vs. Collecting: Know the Difference
We’re collectors by nature. Remember those childhood stickers, or for the wilder among us, those troll dolls with the funky hair? As we grow, so does our penchant for collecting—memories, experiences, friends, shoes, regrets, and Pinterest boards. But here’s the rub: collection isn’t curation. Collecting is amassing, while curating is artfully selecting. It’s the difference between cramming your closet with clothes versus having a wardrobe that reflects your style and spirit.
The Foundations of Life Curation
Our lives are like grand galleries, filled with paintings of moments, sculptures of milestones, and even a few abstract pieces we’re still trying to figure out (like that one ex, or the appeal of kale smoothies). But as any art curator will tell you, it’s not just about what you put in; it’s also about what you leave out.
1. Intention
The backbone of curation. What do you want your ‘gallery’ to evoke? This isn’t about achieving a perfect aesthetic but about aligning with your core values. That spa weekend or salsa class? If it aligns with your intention of self-care or embracing new experiences, add it to your exhibit!
2. Discernment
This requires honest reflection. Does attending every social gathering enrich your life, or is it fear of missing out? Sometimes, curating means saying no, or at least a ‘maybe later’.
3. Celebration
Often overlooked, but pivotal! Celebrate every choice, every addition, and even the subtractions. Got rid of toxic relationships? Cheers! Added a pottery class because it brings you peace? Do a jig!
The Lifelong Benefits
Curation isn’t a one-time gig. It’s a continuous process of evaluation and evolution. The beauty? It’s empowering. Over time, you’ll notice the ripple effects—better mental well-being, a clearer sense of purpose, and even improved relationships. After all, when we curate our lives, we make room for the truly significant, pushing aside the transient and trivial.
Author Brené Brown once said, “Integrity is choosing courage over comfort.” Similarly, life curation is about making brave choices that mirror who we truly are, not just who we portray on our social feeds. It’s about designing a life where our daily reality aligns with our deepest desires, and not just those #Goals we double-tap on.
So, next time you sip your coffee or clink your wine glass, take a moment. Ponder over the masterpiece that is your life. Is it reflecting your spirit, or is it just a mosaic of randomness? Remember, the brush is in your hands, and the canvas, while sometimes stubborn, is eager to be transformed. Here’s to curating a life that resonates, resonates loudly and gloriously, with every fibre of your being. Cheers to that!
The Life-Curating Maven: A Glimpse into the World of Intentional Living
Morning Rituals with Purpose
Ah, dawn! For our life-curating heroine, it doesn’t begin with the jarring blare of an alarm, but the gentle coaxing of her favourite tune. Perhaps some light jazz or the soft chirping of birds (there’s an app for that!). She doesn’t just jump out of bed; she awakens with purpose. A brief meditation session, a gratitude journal entry, or just a moment staring at the ceiling, soaking in the magic of a new day. Her coffee isn’t gulped down; it’s sipped and savoured, each aroma inhaled like the promise of new possibilities.
Crafted Connections
Her friendships aren’t a mere collection of Facebook friends or Instagram followers. Oh no, they’re handpicked. Think of a wine connoisseur swirling, sniffing, and sipping before selecting the perfect bottle. She invests in connections that uplift, challenge, and cherish. Lunch dates aren’t just sandwich grab-and-gos; they’re moments to nurture and be nurtured. She’s not afraid to prune relationships that no longer align with her journey, knowing well that life’s garden thrives with the right kind of care.
Mindful Work Days
While the corporate world buzzes with a million tasks, our curator navigates her work with clarity. Prioritizing, delegating, and ensuring that each task aligns with her broader vision. Office politics? She rises above it. Mundane tasks? She infuses them with joy, maybe with a dance break or a brief gaze outside the window. Her workspace is a reflection of her essence—perhaps a fragrant candle, a vision board, or just pictures that inspire and motivate.
Hobbies That Feed the Soul
For her, hobbies aren’t just to pass time; they’re passages to her inner worlds. She might be moulding clay into abstract sculptures, dancing like no one’s watching, or engrossed in a riveting novel. These aren’t random pursuits; they’re intentional selections that resonate with her core. It’s her way of saying, “I celebrate myself.”
Evening Elixirs and Echoes
As the day folds, she doesn’t just collapse into bed. There’s a nighttime ritual—a skincare regimen that’s more self-love than routine, a playlist of soulful tunes, perhaps a gentle reflection on the day’s highlights. There’s no brutal self-criticism but gentle musing on what went well and what can be embraced better tomorrow.
Her Life’s Philosophy
In a world that often screams excess, she chooses essence. It’s not about living minimally or extravagantly, but meaningfully. She understands that curating isn’t about perfection but about passion, not about imitation but authenticity.
The curated life might seem like a fairytale, but remember, fairy tales are often just well-lived stories that get told over and over. So, how about penning your own? After all, if life is an art, why not make yours a masterpiece?
The Concluding Coffee Sip: Mastering Life’s Curation
If you’ve stuck with me this far, my dear reader, hats off (or should I say, coffee lids off) to you! But here’s where the brew gets even richer. The concept of life curation isn’t about creating an Instagram-perfect narrative or mimicking someone else’s idea of a well-curated life. Nope. It’s about personal expression and tailoring every moment to resonate with your authentic self. Like that coffee you love: not everyone gets why you like it a tad bitter or super sweet, but hey, it’s your coffee, your rules.
As we journey from the first morning brew to the final evening reflections, the art of curating our lives becomes less about doing and more about being. Being present, being intentional, and, most importantly, being true to who we are. Here is an interesting read on the books about finding purpose: https://lauraconteuse.com/books-on-finding-your-purpose/
Every piece of art, including the curated lives we’ve discussed, undergoes moments of smudges, errors, and yes, the occasional coffee spills. But it’s the imperfections that make it real, raw, and resonant. So, if today felt less “curation” and more “chaos,” remember, there’s always tomorrow. A fresh canvas, waiting for your unique touch.
I often tell my clients, “Think of yourself as the curator of a fabulous art exhibition – your life. How do you want it to look? What pieces do you want to display? And what deserves a special spotlight?” And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember, even the Louvre started with one artwork.
Here’s to sipping, savoring, and curating every moment. To the masterpieces and the messes. Because when life hands you coffee beans, you don’t just brew – you curate the finest blend. Cheers!
