The Manifesto

It took awhile to think through my big manifesto plan. Initially, I thought it was a good idea, then I started thinking it was a ridiculous idea that wouldn't accomplish anything. I looked up the exact definition of manifesto to help organize my thoughts and validate whether this was a stupid plan or a brilliant one.

man-i-fes-to. n. a public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives, as one issued by a government, sovereign, or organization.

Right, so like usual - while interesting, being equipped with the definition didn't really give me any new resolve, but I did decide what the hell...I'll go for it anyway. Not like it will hurt. Plus, well, I hate saying I'll do something and then not doing it - it always feels like quitting or wimping out, no matter the cause.

So, without further ado, My Manifesto:

1. Be Healthy.

Gawd, yes it's cliche. Yes, I'm sure everyone wants to be healthy. But, when I sat down to really right out those 'opinions, objectives, motives' that are important to me and that help define who I am, being healthy was easily the first thing I thought of.

Plus, let's face it, getting older really does make you look at your body and your physical traits in a new light. Avoiding a life of stretchy pants (secret: I LOVE the legging aka stretchy pants trend right now. They're so comfortable :< ) doesn't happen by itself. I have bounced up and down with my weight over the years, and right now I'm looking pretty good. I need to stick with it - exercize daily, eat right, drink less. That ought to do it. 2. Love & Appreciate The Family.

Again, this seems like a no-brainer. But for me, it's not. In fact, I have WAY too many days when I wish everyone in this house where I try to live and work would just GO AWAY. Okay, like every day I have a moment where I think that. But I know that's not really fair, and not really consistent with what I want in my heart.

Yes, the kids are noisy and hyper. Yes, my husband seems to always be in my space, annoying me. Yes, I do often wish they'd go away for awhile. But, I always hope they come back too. Maybe if I could keep silent score - every time I wish them into oblivion, I have to think of something I love about them too.

3. Live Life Fully.

Mmm, more cliche. Of course, how I define living my life fully is perhaps different than how others would define it - how they'd measure their success at it. For me, I think living fully means being honest about what I want, and what I don't want. About trusting myself, and saying aloud those things I DO want in the most specific terms.

Living fully, to me, means not being ruled by fear. Fear that I will fail to achieve what I want, especially after I've said it. Fear that I won't enjoy it if I receive it, because what I thought I wanted was wrong. Fear that I'll never be content with what I have. Fear, fear, fear.



Well, my manifesto is not a novel. Just all the words and thoughts that came rushing from my heart and brain through my fingers into words. I'm not sure that it helped me solve my current dilemmas on life, but it definitely didn't hurt. And, now I feel like I have some sort of value lens to view my life choices through.


Next On List: Drag self out for a walk