Curate a Life You Love

I was chatting with Hannah Keyes (a Productivity Strategist and Burnout Expert) last weekend. We had just finished recording a podcast episode and she was gracious enough to offer her expertise to me. I told her I’m feeling discomfort around scheduling, productivity, and boundaries. 

I want to say yes to everyone who wants my time or requests a meeting. I want to attend every IRL and virtual event I’m invited to. I want to automate as much as possible. 

Finding a balance is impossible. I don’t believe in it. And even though I know it’s not achievable, I still strive for it. But Hannah reminded me that I’m not the problem that needs fixing. 

FULL STOP.

I view everything as a problem that can be fixed. Including myself. Including my schedule. Including the things that I can’t even articulate. I’m wired to work towards solutions. It’s a strength of mine, but also a curse. 

Hannah continued, “You should be curating your life with curiosity.” WOW. That cut deep in the best way.

My life isn’t a series of problems, but a work of curiosity and wonder. I want to view my moments through the lens of curiosity and work to curate a life I love. The word curate literally means to “take charge of” or “organize.” 

Here’s what I often let take charge of my life:

• My schedule & calendar

• Pressure to say yes to everyone

• Other people’s definition of urgency

• My old habits from corporate life

• Pre-Covid expectations of socializing and networking

That one phrase really set me free. As did a reexamining of my life through the lens of essentialism. I won’t remain curious if I’m worn out. I cant’ curate a life I love if I’m not in control of my time. 

I’m lucky to be living a very successful life. It’s a life where I have immense freedom. But to remain free I need healthy boundaries just like everyone else. It’s within boundaries that we really find freedom to fully live.