I Declare! Writing your Manifesto
Traditionally manifestos are a public declaration, this statement of who you are can be a bold call to action of your values and principles. The way in which you view yourself and how you see yourself in the world. These are your principles in life and how you live your life according to your principles and values.
Manifesto's were often times written for businesses and credo's were for personal use. I will use both words here.
Often times, in this context I would recommend keeping your manifesto private. So, why keep that private? Not everyone has those same goals for you. Share them with those you absolutely trust to uphold your best personal goals along side of you. This is especially true when you are making changes in life that might mean you are moving away from a certain group of people or friends, you will be moving into a new you, one of which they might not want to see happen. Use your best judgement here.
The Benefits of a Manifesto or Credo: What makes a credo so valuable is the fact that it is a constant source of inspiration to you. Reinforcing your values on a daily basis is hugely beneficial in all aspects of your life.
Manifeso's are ways you can talk with yourself about the actions you take in life. When times are rough your credo can be a great source of comfort. When times are rough you will already know how you want to deal with them.
With a credo or manifesto, it's like you always have access to a calmer, more rational you that already knows how to deal with what you want done.
How to Write a Manifesto: There is really no right or wrong way to write a manifesto or credo; how you choose to write these declarative words is completely up to you. You may choose to write it in outline form or write whole paragraphs, to whole pages. Really the choice is yours. If you are not sure how you can best digest this information, try one way and see if it feels good for you. If you find that you don’t resonate with that format then try another. The important information is the WHAT. What you have listed as your ‘about you’s’. Your boundaries, your principles, your morals. Those are the what’s of your life. (Oh and they can shift as you age too or move into different aspects of life).
Here are a few suggestions for topics on your principles
- Pick Topics which are your principles.
- Some suggestions for principles are:
- How will I react to anger from others?
- How do I treat animals?
- What are my political views.
- How do I treat my friends.
- What type of friends do I have.
- How do I treat Men and Women, do I treat them differently? Why?
- Children/Partners/Relationships?
- When life is rough - what will I do? Will I yell and scream? Will I drink?
- What is my work ethic? Do I give too much? Am I an under performer at work? Why?
- What type of work do I want to do?
- Do I care about the environment?
Lay your cards on the table here - this information is here to help and serve you in good times and in the harder times of life.
When writing your manifesto use language that is always positive. Avoiding words like, no, not and never, could, should and would.
What do I love to do to nourish my body, mind and spirit?
Here are some examples:
- I am calm and in control of my emotions when anger is present.
- I treat my friends with respect. What does respect mean to you?
- My friends treat me with respect.
- My body is a temple and I will treat it as such.
- I see my life filled with kind, respectful people. Respectful how?
- I am honest with myself.
- I happily care for animals that I choose to have in my life. I will learn how to properly take care of any animal I have living in my life. I choose to donate on a yearly basis to animals care facilities.
- When confronted with anger from other people in my life I will react with calm and clear thoughts. Knowing most times it is best to walk away, whether on a physical or emotional level.
- I enjoy friends that support me in life even if we do not always agree.
- I am always honest and caring. Our relationship is filled with fun, caring life experiences.
- I speak my personal truth with love and compassion.
How to use your credo/manifesto
Writing it down is an important aspect for the short term and the long term of life. I encourage you to use pen and paper. Find a journal you like or something as simple as a spiral bound notebook. By writing your thoughts down with pen and paper it helps take the intangible to the tangible in life. You will always have something to refer back to.
Many people now like to write and store information on their computers, if you prefer to have your credo in an electronic format ensure it is easily accessible. No matter what format you choose, keep your credo organized and accessible. I use google docs.
Read them on a regular basis. Many people choose to read them on a daily basis.
Add to them when you feel the time is right.
Combine reading your credo with a power stance. Contact me for more information on this.
Live your life to its fullest by writing out your guidelines for life. Whatever you call it in live your life with your credo/manifesto !
TTFN
Colleen
I'd love to hear about your manifesto :)
UPDATE: I wrote this blog for the first time in probably the early to mid 2000's. It has not been updated very much, because well, the information is good.
However, I have made new friends along the way. One of those new friends is Sara of Redefining Love. She has a blog called Letting Go. The letting go blog ties in well with writing your credo information I have listed here.
Enjoy, connect with Sara or reach out to me, declare who you are and who you see in your dreams.
You are filled with graceful beauty.
Much love,
Colleen
