I’m still working through Johnathan Mead’s Reclaim Your Dreams: An Uncommon Guide to Living on Your Own Terms and I promised last time that I’d post the results of the personal manifesto exercise.
I’d do the rest of the fun & creative exercises but as I’m out of town at my parents’ and flying with all my art supplies & huge poster board is unwieldy at best, I’ll have to hold off on vision boarding until I get back home.
Creating a personal manifesto is something new for me. I’ve always held certain values but I’ve never articulated them. This was my chance to make it real.
I ended up writing two versions. One that explains every word I’m about to list – that one’s for me only and clarifies what I mean by each one.
Below is the short version of my personal manifesto. And yes. I’ve capitalized words for a reason.
I am strong, creative, empathic*, sensitive.
I empower, impart, instruct, create.
I live for family, Love, beauty, myself.
I strive for Truth, freedom, sovereignty, authenticity.
This short version of my personal manifesto is easy to remember. Something I can write on a small 3×5 card and memorize easily.
I think a manifesto is a living document and I will revisit this after a while. But I think it’s a good start.
Do you have a personal manifesto? What does it look like?
*Empathic… well, I struggled with whether to use empathic or empathetic since both are equally acceptable in modern English. Being a sci-fi buff, it feels a little odd to use empathic, since I’m clearly not an Empath but empathetic just sounds well… pathetic. Enough geeking out for now.
photo credit: jc.westbrook
p.s. You can get the eBook for 1/2 off! Jonathan is celebrating his bday by giving everyone else a gift. Get the book already!
#1 by Caitlyn Grant on September 24th, 2009
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What do you mean by ’sovereignty’? Is this meant to connote a sense of personal empowerment?
#2 by Alexia on September 24th, 2009
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Sovereignty to me is this: I control what influences me and my emotions. My inner life is a sanctuary, my kingdom, and no external forces can disrupt it unless I allow them.
#3 by brandi on September 24th, 2009
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ooohhh…love that second line. It just feels powerful!!
My manifesto is simple: I am a joy rebel, reveling in the sublime art of being authentically me and inspiring others to do the same.
#4 by Caroline on September 25th, 2009
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I love manifestos! There is nothing like a vision or a mission to get me going. I have been making lists that correspond with my age on my birthday of things to do that year: this year is 32 for 32. And I love a quick little mantra to focus the intention of a year on New Year’s. This year’s mantra: sexy and psyched. Love it!
Thanks for sharing your manifesto- inspiring!