A personal manifesto

I’ve come across a few “manifestoes” online recently (are they the latest trend?): The Holstee Manifesto, Ann Voskamp’s Sanity Manifesto, and A Wordplayer’s Manifesto from K.M. Weiland. I began thinking I’d like my own, tailor-made version — a collection of words, phrases, and quotes that capture my values, hopes, and aspirations. It seems to me that a personal manifesto would make a great reminder, a guidepost of sorts to help me stay on track.

And so… I spent the better part of two days pondering, choosing words, and organizing what would become my manifesto for 2013. Even if I never look at the finished product again, it has been a valuable experience! But I think I will look at it again. I plan to post it near my desk and read it often.

I hadn’t planned to share it, because it feels like a very personal thing, revealing a great deal about me. But then I looked up the definition of manifesto:

“a public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives….”

A public declaration? Eep. I suppose making it public adds a certain degree of accountability, which is a good (albeit scary) thing. Besides, baring one’s soul is what writers do, isn’t it? heh. So here we go:

Have you ever created a personal manifesto? Or perhaps chosen a single word, a single focus for the year? Has it been a helpful thing for you?

Peace….

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