The Art of Living / to be alive

52 quotes, questions & affirmations inspiring you to (actually) live

So many of us move through life half-awake — rushing, achieving, and doing what’s expected, yet feeling disconnected from what truly makes us come alive. We postpone joy, silence our intuition, and wait for the “right time” that never seems to arrive.

But life isn’t meant to be fast-tracked, masked over, or half-felt. It’s meant to be deeply experienced — savoured, explored, and lived in colour, right here, right now.

The Art of Living card deck was created as a reminder to return to what really matters; to move with intention, feel deeply, and dare greatly.

Because when the end comes, no one wishes they’d played it safer or rushed faster. The top regrets of the dying remind us what’s truly important:

• To live a life true to ourselves, not what others expected.
• To slow down and savour time with those we love.
• To express our feelings.
• To stay connected.
• And to allow ourselves to be happy.

The Art of Living is your invitation to live fully — now.
A gentle nudge to rewrite the script, to choose presence over pressure, and to remember:

This is your life, and you are both the artist and the masterpiece.

How do the cards work?

Each of the 52 distinctive cards in The Art of Living deck has one quote, question and affirmation, which has been thoughtfully crafted to inspire awareness, intention, and meaning in your everyday life.

Each card explores a different theme — because living is multi-faceted. The idea is simple: choose the card that resonates with where you are right now, and with what you need most in this season of your life.

This deck isn’t about perfection, constant happiness, or striving for more. Some of the most outwardly “successful” people feel empty inside. These cards remind us that being fully alive isn’t about having it all together all the time — it’s about living boldly, feeling deeply (even the hard stuff), and embracing life in all its raw, beautiful imperfection.

To be alive is to laugh loudly, to grieve deeply, to trust your inner compass, to take the leap, to rest, to notice, to appreciate, to seek joy, and to love with your whole heart.

It’s saying YES to life: All of it.

This deck carries soulful, courageous energy. A quiet strength, leading with a brave mind, and a strong heart. It’s about living the life that lights you up, daring to dream, stepping beyond comfort, and knowing that even the cracks are where the light gets in.

A life well-lived isn’t a safe or easy one. It’s one that's true to you.

The Affirmation

Each card begins with a distinctive affirmation. Affirmations are so powerful and more than just positive words — they’re tools that actually rewire the brain. By consciously choosing empowering thoughts, we interrupt cycles of negative thought patterns, limiting beliefs and create new neural pathways that strengthen self-belief, courage, and confidence.

The Quote

On the flip side to each affirmation, is a carefully curated quote. Words have power — they awaken, remind, and realign us with what truly matters. Each quote has been chosen to spark reflection and inspire a life lived with more depth, joy, and authenticity.

The Question

Below each quote is a gentle yet thought-provoking question — an invitation to pause, go deeper, and reconnect with yourself. Use it as a journaling prompt, or simply sit with it and let its meaning unfold throughout the week. With time and space, you’ll often discover answers you didn’t know were waiting. 

How to Use These Cards

✨ Pull one card each week (or each day) — choose one that resonates with you. Each message offers something different, because living is beautifully multi-layered. Some days you’ll face challenge or grief; other days you’ll crave rest, courage, or a reminder to seek joy. Let these words interrupt the noise, soften your thoughts, and gently guide you back to yourself.

✨ Place a card somewhere you’ll see it often — your bedside, workspace, living room, or even your mirror.

✨ Use it as a journaling companion, if you wish. Many of our Olive + Page journals include space for affirmations; the perfect place to expand on what each message evokes for you.

And above all, let every card remind you what a gift it is to be alive.

~ 52 cards for one each week over the course of a year; plus an introduction card

~ Premium quality card stock; thick, matte, and durable, with a textured elevated finish

~ Safe & vibrant inks; printed with eco-friendly, non-toxic, fade-resistant ink

~ Wooden stand; use the stand included to display your card on your bedside, desk, or anywhere visible

~ Elegant keepsake box; strong and beautifully designed for storage or gifting

~ Designed in Nelson, New Zealand

~ Size of box: 170mm x 100mm

What makes The Art of Living card deck different from other decks?

Simply put: there’s nothing else quite like it.

Most card decks focus on a single theme, like motivation, mindfulness, or self-love. The Art of Living goes deeper. It explores the full spectrum of life — the light and the shadow, the doing and the being, the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Because life isn’t one-dimensional, and neither are you. Each day, week, and season brings new needs, new lessons, and new invitations to grow.

Each card blends reflection, science, and soul — with a quote to inspire perspective, a question to deepen awareness, and an affirmation to rewire your mindset. It’s not about perfect days or constant positivity; it’s about showing up for your real, beautiful, messy, extraordinary life and remembering what it truly means to (actually) live.

How do I use these cards?

The Art of Living deck holds 52 cards, each with a unique theme, because living is beautifully multi-layered. The idea is simple: pull one card each week (or each day) and choose the one that resonates with where you are, right now.

Place it somewhere you’ll see it often — in the stand on your bedside table, on your desk, by your mirror, or even pop it in your bag to take with you through the day. Let its message gently guide your thoughts and actions, bringing awareness and intention to your every day.

Who are these cards for?

Anyone who wants to fully, deeply live with purpose. These cards are for all ages and stages. From teenagers beginning to find their way, to those in their 80s reflecting on a life richly lived. If you have a heartbeat and a desire to make the most of this one precious life, these cards are for you.

Whether you’re feeling inspired, stuck, curious, or quietly searching for something more — they’ll meet you exactly where you are.

Could someone going through a difficult time like these?

Absolutely. The Art of Living isn’t about chasing happiness or pretending everything’s fine - it’s about embracing the full spectrum of life. These cards were created to support you through all of it: the challenges, the grief, the burnout, the uncertainty.

Some cards will uplift you, others will comfort or challenge you. Because life is made up of seasons, and every season, even the hard ones, holds meaning. The deck’s variety reflects that truth: living fully means feeling it all.

How do I use them as a journaling companion?

Each card begins with a question, a quote, and an affirmation, all designed to help you explore what’s stirring within.

The question makes a perfect journaling prompt — it invites reflection and deeper connection with yourself.
The quote offers perspective and wisdom — a spark for your own writing or contemplation.
The affirmation can become your daily mantra, something to write at the top of your journal page or carry with you in thought.

Our Olive + Page journals include space for affirmations and reflections, making them the perfect pairing for this deck. Together, they help transform fleeting insights into lasting growth and clarity.

Will these cards really make a difference in my life?

Yes — if you let them. It only takes a few mindful moments to shift how you experience your day. There is so much science behind affirmation practice and how it helps you to rewire limiting thought patterns. These cards serve as gentle prompts to pause, reconnect, and realign with what truly matters.

Do I have to start at the beginning of the year?

Not at all! There’s no order, no pressure, no perfect starting point. You can begin any time. Pick a card that calls to you or shuffle and let one find you. The message you need will always arrive at the right time.

I’m not into ‘woo-woo’ stuff — will I still enjoy them?

Definitely. These cards are grounded, real, and designed for everyday living. They’re about courage, reflection, and connection, not mysticism. Think of them as mindful companions for your journey — invitations to pause and live with more intention.

I’m busy — will I actually use them?

Yes. These cards were created for real life, not perfect routines. You only need a minute — pull a card while you sip your coffee, before bed, or in a quiet moment between tasks. The shift happens not in the time you spend, but in the awareness you bring.