For many years, I’ve been talking about/intending to/working on . . . writing a personal manifesto. (Here’s a post I wrote about writing a manifesto back in 2021, back when my one little word was root. That’s probably the closest I’ve ever come to actually writing one, although I’ve been working on it – off and on – for years now.)
Anyway.
Wouldn’t you know it? Ali Edwards’ team . . . offered a new One Little Word prompt this year for February . . . inviting us to write a personal manifesto! So I gathered all my old manifesto-work-in-progress “stuff,” gave myself the (ahem) space to work on it, and ultimately pulled things together to come up with this . . .
I’m not sure that what I’ve created here is actually a manifesto.
But it is a statement of how I want to live my life . . . for what’s left of my life.
Late last year, I discovered that John Wooden quote somewhere, and it’s kinda become . . . my mantra. I like it: Make each day your masterpiece. And then I came up with the list of words and phrases that embody my personal values (integrity, resilience, nature, creativity, risk, rootedness, curiosity, flexibility, love, joy, humor). Those little words and phrases remind myself . . . just how I might DO that (the making of the masterpiece bit).
And . . . why? Why have I wanted to do this for so long? Why go to all this bother? Well. If you’ve been reading my blog for much time at all, I’m sure you’ve picked up on the fact that . . . I’m big on introspection. I like to self-reflect. I like to go deep to understand myself. It is definitely . . . A Thing . . . for me. Always has been.
By giving myself the time and the space (for years, as it turns out), I’ve been able to put to words . . . what I value, what I have to give, and what I don’t want to miss out on in my life. I think there is some poignancy in doing this now . . . in my 60s. I mean, I have (we ALL have) limited time “left” in our lives. I want to make sure that I maximize whatever time IS “left” to me . . . by doing what matters to me!
My manifesto may not mean much to anyone else, but it does to me. (Which is the point, actually.) I feel clear now . . . and better able to make choices about what to do with my time, and how to apply my limited resources in the best way I can.
I’m glad I’ve finally given myself the . . . space . . . to work this out!
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How about you? Have you ever thought about writing a personal manifesto for yourself?
Your manifesto is lovely and such a reflection of you. So many good phrases.I started doing a manifesto for my word about 10 years ago so I was happy to see i5 in the lessons this year. Listen more and slow down seem to have made it on my list most years. It is I interesting to look back on this project.
I’ve never written a personal manifesto, and if I’m honest, I’ve never felt the urge. But yours has me at least thinking about it. And I don’t know who John Wooden is (yet) but I do like that quote. Do you have your manifesto framed someplace?
I love not only your manifesto, but how beautifully it is presented. Go forward friend, with great joy, following your path!
Everything here…just, everything…!
(While I’m an introspective creature, for sure, I haven’t thought *specifically* about a manifesto. I’d certainly be open to the voice, if it called to me! I think I’ll know when it does.)
The words I went back to a few times: Begin again and again. (That repetition of again. That.)
Your manifesto seems so PERFECT for you Kym! Like Bonny, I’ve never felt the urge to write or create one. (You know me – not a list maker, no resolutions, etc., etc.). I do, however, think often about doing what is important to me (getting outside, spending time creating rather than dusting – lol) and spending time with those whom I love and who are important to me. The John Wooden quote is great!
That’s really lovely, Kym!
I am NOT very introspective but, especially as I age and realize that there’s less time ahead of me than behind, I’ve contemplated… nope… given a little more thought (that’s not even the right word, either)… I’ve just felt more aware of how I spend my time and how I INTEND to spend my time. It’s kind of like little blips in the ether. Don’t ask me to write it down! haha.
I’m more of a fly by the seat of your pants kind of person. But, I like the things you have on your manifesto. I guess I kind of live most of those without really thinking about them.
I can see where having something to look at would keep all the good things in the front of your mind though.
I’ve never thought about writing a manifesto, but I do like yours, especially that quote by John Wooden. I also like how you have it presented. Is it framed?
Oh Kym! You are almost ten years away from the rest of your life thinking. I didn’t get there until I was going on 75. A whole new world opened up for us – unexpectedly – in our late sixties which we are still coasting on nine years later. Given that, we are all different. I am also introspective, but at the same time, a major worrier. So introspection is a two-edged sword for me. What I am getting from your post is the importance of Writing Things Down – whether it be a manifesto, a diary, a thought for the day, or tomorrow’s grocery list (senior moment-itis). For MY type of introspection (and probably for everybody!) this would be so beneficial. And yet I keep putting it off. Thanks for giving me a big PUSH! (And I haven’t discarded, completely, a Manifesto:).
Love your manifesto! Not sure if it is for me but will ponder!
Well this is very cool … the concept and the way you’ve implemented it. Thank you so much for sharing … this is certainly giving ME some things to think about, too!
Honestly, I’ve never thought about creating a manifesto, but I suppose that’s because until recently I always associated “manifesto” with people who are a bit deranged. 😉 I do like the idea of having some statements about what I believe and how I want to live my life — a mission statement, of sorts. Like you, I’m very introspective by nature, so this is definitely something for me to mull over.
I think your manifesto reflects who you are perfectly and beautifully. And you have articulated clearly why it’s important to you. I’ll be working on mine tomorrow. hahahahaha!
I have long loved John Wooden and his brilliance. His words, though few, carry a big impact. What a perfect addition to your manifesto! (and I love that you shared your handwritten page!)
I think this step has really opened the door to all that a word can do… the possibilities are endless! And I wish our days were as well… but it does give a plan for making what days we have be the best possible ones ever!
XO
Quite honestly, I have never considered writing a manifesto. I am quite introspective though and think quite a lot about how I spend my time. Lately aging well has been on my mind. This is a lovely inspiring post. Your manifesto is so beautifully presented too. I like the short direct words and phrases.
What a lovely idea, your manifesto resonated with me so much, I would have such similar things on mine if I ever wrote one. That quote is perfect too.