This article is an expanded version of the video transcript. 

Imagine it’s 1862, and you’re in the heart of Victorian Paris. Among the gossip of high society, you constantly hear about the the Salon de Beaux Arts, the center of the art world in the city. You’re Claude Monet, a young and ambitious artist, and you’ve just had your latest work rejected from the Salon. You’re not alone; a handful of your friends—artists like Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne—face the same fate. Frustrated, you feel like you’re hitting an immovable wall.

The Salon, controlled by an exclusive group of academic judges, dictates what is “proper” art. It’s all about classic themes—mythological scenes, religious iconography, polished portraiture, and still lifes that follow strict rules of form and detail. To make it here, an artist has to fit into this narrow mold.

But you and your circle are weary of painting these idealized visions of life. You want something more real.

Alongside your friends, you’re drawn to the everyday beauty of the world you live in. It’s not just in grand historical scenes or grandiose portraits; it’s in the light dappling a café table, the colors of a bustling city street, or the blur of figures on a dance floor. You’re fascinated by the way light shifts with the time of day and season and how color can capture the mood of a moment. You want to show movement and life on the canvas, rather than frozen, idealized stillness.

So, in defiance of the rigid artistic traditions, you and your circle decide to create your own independent exhibit—a radical move at a time when the Salon held all the power.

In 1874, the first Impressionist exhibition opened in Paris, where you and your friends show works that capture the fleeting beauty of modern life. The critics were harsh. They dismissed the loose brushwork and vivid colors as unfinished, messy, and even vulgar. They used the term “A vague impression, a sketch” as an insult, but you embrace the term as a manifesto of a new form of art.

In spite of ridicule, the public was captivated. Many flocked to see these “unfinished” scenes that seemed to vibrate with energy.

Fast forward over a century, and your paintings are in some of the most notable museums in the world.

This is the impact the Impressionists had on the world of art.

Their defiant moves were not only about changing art; they were about creating a new way to experience life. They painted their own world, refusing to conform to someone else’s ideals, and in doing so, they shaped an entirely new approach to seeing the everyday as extraordinary.

In this story of defiance and creativity, I see something powerful about living vividly. And that’s what I want to talk about—what it means to live fully, to create your world on your terms, and to appreciate the beauty in the “unfinished” moments of life.

There are three steps to live vividly like they did, three methods to export your view of the world that drive me to create over and over. They are essentially sharing, alignment, and connection… and there’s more to each one than a simple moray.

1. Share How You See the World

The Impressionists were all about making the everyday extraordinary. A casual stroll past a building, a party seen from a balcony, or even the light on a quiet Parisian café—all of these were transformed into something alive and rich with color. Where others might see mundane street corners or patios, they saw a shifting kaleidoscope of light and color, scenes worth capturing on canvas. By focusing on color and brushstrokes, they made every moment, no matter how ordinary, feel vivid and full of energy. For them, the act of painting these scenes was like saying, This matters. This is worth seeing.

When it comes to how I see the world, I take a page from the Impressionists’ boldness, expressing it through everything from art to clothing, communication to personal style. For instance, my paintings pull in hints of magic realism, with pops of neon, whimsical animals, and layered symbols. They don’t just capture the world—they reimagine it. I apply that same outlook to how I dress: bright colors, distinct shapes, a work bag embroidered with vibrant octopi—a playful nod to finding beauty in the unexpected. Even my home is a mix of patterns, a highly orderly space with plays of color that make it as unconventional as it is comforting.

I believe in visual optimism—the idea that our surroundings and expressions can lift us up, giving us (and those around us) a sense of hope and warmth. Life isn’t meant to be overly serious or somber. Instead, it’s an epic story we get to help write, full of small decisions that guide its plot. Just like the Impressionists, I think that the more we let ourselves boldly express, the more magical life becomes.

2. Build Your Life to Reflect Who You Are

The Impressionists were more than just painters—they were pioneers in shaping lives that fully reflected their values. Faced with constant rejection from the traditional art world, they didn’t simply accept society’s limitations. Instead, they created a community of their own, a little mastermind of fellow creatives who defied conventions together. This meant establishing their own independent Salon, a self-made gallery space, where they could share art on their own terms. By choosing to live boldly in line with their vision, they shifted the direction of an entire culture.

For me, building a life that mirrors who I am began with defining my core values. I prioritize freedom, beauty, and health, and I want the outside world I build to be a reflection of these inward values. A big part of this process was picking a career that would allow me the freedom to shape my world, set my own schedule, and care for my well-being. Building a freelance marketing business has been key—it gives me the flexibility to work around my creative energy, take time off for travel, and keep myself inspired. The relational side of my work suits my lifestyle perfectly, bringing balance to time spent creating, socializing, and having fun.

Creating this intentional world also meant finding a community that encourages growth and creativity. I chose a city with an active social scene and a culture of independent thinkers—people in their twenties and thirties, working on unique projects and building their own paths. I also resonate with the Impressionists’ defiant spirit by moving beyond traditional expectations, designing my business in a way that serves my interests and pacing, rather than letting it dictate my life. Being a solo entrepreneur and artist with a deep interest in psychology and personal growth is a less conventional path, but one that resonates deeply with who I am.

3. Feel deeply seen and understood by the people in your life.

The Impressionists were more than just artists; they were a small, determined band of kindred spirits. Monet, Renoir, Sisley, and Bazille—each had a unique style, yet they shared a vision and a fierce determination to change art. This wasn’t just a group for practical support, although they often painted and exhibited together; it was a community where each artist felt seen and understood. With each other’s encouragement, they found the courage to keep creating, no matter how much the art world dismissed them. Together they persisted until people began to see their work for what it was.

In my life, feeling truly seen has meant actively working on how I communicate, both with others and with myself. For a long time, I hid away parts of myself, especially when I was struggling. I thought that sharing my less polished side—times of stress, fear, or even excitement—would make me a burden. But over time, I realized that sharing my full self actually brings people closer.

When I’m vulnerable, it opens the door for authentic intimacy, and instead of feeling messy, I feel connected and understood. It’s a beautiful, reciprocal exchange that’s only deepened by listening and really seeing others, too. When I’m fully present with others, they feel heard, and that opens up space for them to understand and appreciate who I am in return.

Living vividly doesn’t require being extroverted or having a huge social circle.

It’s about showing up as your true self and inviting others into that real, unfiltered experience. It can mean quietly creating space to share parts of yourself, rather than holding back or trying to fit into a box. Living fully means stepping out of the shadow of perfectionism or fear, letting go of shame, and embracing the courage to be seen, exactly as you are.

So, living vividly is about more than the things you do or create; it’s about the courage to let your life and your connections reflect who you really are. It’s about building a world that mirrors your values and creating relationships where your true self is welcome.