I have a vision for the new year—and it’s not the customary beginning of the year intentions and plans.

Over the years this ritual has evolved. My goal is to make it not only more meaningful, but practical and inspiring. So this year, I’m taking a different approach.

This year I’m going to become the curator of my life.

I love this term. The Latin origin of the word curator implies one who is a manager, overseer, guardian, custodian. There is a sense of being in charge and caring for or attending to a specific purpose. There is nothing mindless about this charge—what is created is something worthy of the finest museums and art collections.

Assuming this role means taking on certain responsibilities and duties. There is skill, talent, and heart behind it all. It’s about creating something of beauty, something you want to surround yourself with, that inspires and stirs your soul.

Becoming the curator of my life surpasses all the to-do’s and plans. There is a bigger vision and purpose behind it all. And this is what I find so compelling and exciting as I get ready to begin the new year.

If you desire to create something different—more meaningful, mindful and inspiring for your life this year—consider becoming the curator of your own life. Here are some ways I’m taking on this role:

1. Create a vision for my “collection.” A curator has a specific goal or vision in mind when sourcing and choosing items for their collection. There is a specific feeling they want to create or a message they want to convey. This vision guides each decision and choice that follows. How do I want to feel this year? What is the message from my soul and what does that look like?

2. Mindfully choose what I will give my attention to. This means skillfully selecting (and unselecting) the things that make up my experiences. I need to keep the big picture in mind and be willing to be a bit ruthless in what stays in and what is left out.

3. Refine my choices, constantly. Learn from my choices and decide what contributes positively to the overall vision—the collection. There are lessons to be learned from the struggles well-fought (or not), and these give me clues as to what might be a better choice. Staying in touch with the desires of my soul will guide and direct me.

4. Be willing to alter the overall vision. As I mindfully select and create my experiences this year, an image will form and a feeling will develop. Even if it’s in line with the vision I had at the beginning, I want to be open to allowing something even greater to emerge. Asking what else is possible, and what else can I create that I hadn’t seen before, will keep my vision fresh and inspiring.

5. Enjoy a year that is rich in meaning, purpose and fun. Curating my life should be anything but dutiful and boring. The process should be one of devotion that inspires and excites. One that brings new and beautiful ideas and experiences to by world.

We are the curators of our own lives. What we create is up to us. Step into this role and immerse yourself in the “art” of life.

What unfolds will most certainly be a more authentic, loving and mindful expression of who you really are. And that sounds like an exciting prospect for the year ahead!

 

Author: Ruth Barski

Image: Unsplash/Samuel Castro

Editor: Nicole Cameron