On Monday, April 15, 2019 when the world woke up to the news of a catastrophic fire ravaging the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, France, attention quickly moved to the masterpieces found inside. Were renown items such as the stain glass windows, the crown of thorns, alters, crosses and more lost forever? Our definition, our collective agreement, if you will, is that a masterpiece is something historic in nature, that has been created with such skill and artistry it can never be duplicated. By our current dictionary definition masterpieces are not created overnight. They are in fact works of heart built, painted and conceptualized over time.

We often think definitions of words never change, take for example the word Amazon. It’s a place. Or is it? Over time that word has been defined collectively as something different. The definition has expanded. Now most people first think of Amazon as the words largest website connecting buyers and sellers. Definitions of words do change.

That got me thinking, what if like the fiery ashes of Notre Dame, we considered as a collective to redefine the dictionary definition of what a masterpiece is. What if a masterpiece did not have to be historical? What if a masterpiece could be in the now? Mindful, if you will. What if instead of masterpieces only being created by a person of renown skill anyone could create a masterpiece? What if our lives in fact were masterpieces, both of experience and physical items?

I’d like to propose we write and live a new definition of masterpiece. A masterpiece is both an experience and/or item created everyday with the highest and best skill and artistry. An item or experience that anyone can create to make our world a better place. A masterpiece is no longer the exception but, in fact the new rule. A masterpiece: current work of heart created by each and every one of us. This change in the dictionary will create a world full of masterpieces. Letting go of the need for time and competition humans would be inspired to make more masterpieces. We would celebrate the skill and artistry in every person, the sameness, the diversity all of the all that makes us human. It makes me sad to know it often takes a tragedy on the scope of Notre Dame burning down to remind us we are connected. Let’s connect our good.

Today, redefine your life as a masterpiece. Choose to work on one piece each day. This could be an item or an experience from relationships to health, finances. Create something. We live in a throw away world where the finer things in life are not as prized as they once were. That is why on emotionally heart connecting days like April 15 we remember and revere our masterpieces. Each day you have the ability to choose and create your masterpiece. You may not think of yourself as a painter, sculpture or builder but you are. Redefine your masterpiece one piece at a time. All we have is now.

Create the masterpiece in your heart and your life will out picture the masterpiece of your hearts grandest desire.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2019 issue of CHOICES Magazine