I am on this journey. You might not know it to look at me, but truth is, I’ve been on this journey for quite a while. I’m a bit of a nomad in a way… or maybe more of a crazy scientist of life; sometimes I’m pretty sure about which way to go, and sometimes I have absolutely no idea. That second part used to scare me immobile. I was so scared I’d make the wrong move, that I’d just do nothing at all (which is the passive version of doing something). I don’t do that nearly as often anymore. I still get scared, but I’m trying a new approach; ‘do it afraid.’ When I’m not sure, I dream, I research, and then I pray a lot (although, not maybe as much as I ought…) and then I try something. Is this sounding familiar? Because I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re on this journey too. This journey is about crafting an exquisite life. What exactly is an exquisite life? Well here’s what it’s not: it’s not a perfect life. It’s not a snobbish life…and it’s certainly not always a dazzling life.
ex·qui·site:
adj. Characterized by intricate and beautiful design or execution.
If you’re going to make something exquisite, it has to have a design, it has to be intentional and frankly, in plain English? Its gonna take a lot of work. When I think of exquisite, I mostly think about it in regard to art, or possibly fine craftsmanship. Both things that are almost always a process…usually a messy one. The best art, and the finest creativity, cannot be bound by fear, or contained in ‘I might mess it up.’ Art needs the freedom of mistakes, of being broken, of being written and rewritten, and sometimes needs many, many lines crossed through, and a lot of white out. Life is also a process, and in my experience, it’s usually a messy one too. But if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing exquisitely, with all intention, and intricate design, and crafty execution. And hopefully, that too is joy.
So this is your invocation to an exquisite life. Journeys are always better with comrades, and so if you haven’t already, I do hope you’ll be joining me. Helen Keller once said “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” I see living an exquisite life as the ultimate daring adventure. So grab your bag and your best hiking boots; I look forward to traveling with you, wherever you may be.
~Elle Berry
