My Personal Manifesto — revised

I used to ask my students to write their personal credo — what they believed about how to live a satisfying life. I urged them not to think about the stuff they wanted — a great job, a trophy spouse, 2 kids, a fantastic house. I wanted them to consider what they felt was necessary in what they believed about how to live in the company of others — how to respond. What characteristics of thought would they hope to have so that they would enjoy just being themselves.

And like all assignments which I gave my students, I tried it out first. My Teacher’s Credo was not hard to write. It encompassed [and still does] my personal philosophy of education which was the ground upon which my career as a educator is still based.

However, I never really tried to put in words what I believed about how to live my life as a person — divorced from any considerations of the roles I’ve had in my life, my place in my family or other such considerations.

Recently, I created my own Manifesto. It really goes beyond a Credo because it is a statement not only of my beliefs but also a statement of intent.

This is my Personal Manifesto.

My Personal Manifesto

I celebrate me!

I do and will always remember that I am a strong, vital, and successful woman!

I do and will continue to affirm myself!

I do and will choose thoughtfully and listen to what my body, soul, and sprit say to me!

I do and will always ensure that there is space for my presence to live and grow!

I do and will continue to speak my truth!

I do and will continue to choose to play a game that is big enough for me!

I do and will continue to create in all ways which speak to mySelf!

I do and will always ensure that the signal that I am will be the invitation to others to know themselves!

I shine and will continue to let my light shine!

I do and will continue to exhale my large ‘S’ self into my world!

I know now and will always keep present to myself the knowledge that my life is juicy!