2: Developing a Manifesto

This week has focused on beginning to develop a personal manifesto. It has been a week of chaos otherwise- with a house move thrown into the mix, but throughout, the fundamental questions of myself have been in the back of my mind.

Within the week, I have been reflecting on my values, goals and ideas- and linking through to develop a manifesto. From this, I have built a skeleton upon which I can add, amend and refer at any point.

 In terms of the actual development, I have started with pen and paper- beginning with mini mind maps - allowing my brain to flow freely and make connections:

From these mind maps, I have been able to define a few key dot points that connect my values, goals and identity. Some have emerged as ideas that weren’t written in the mind maps, but still important to me.

·       I value time incredibly highly. This can certainly be unpacked further- coming from the context of Sydney, a rushed, busy and expensive place- time equals money, and money allows you to make the most of the city.

·       I value relationships- family, friends and romantic.

·       I value freedom and independence- to work and live anywhere the opportunities present themselves (and also to order waffles to be delivered to my home late at night for dinner).

·       I value honesty and humour, in everyday life, but especially in the workplace.

·       I believe that luck grows with hard work.

·       I value education, learning, hard work and independence.

·       I believe that the best education is not simply a formal setting and find that I have often learnt much more through travel, employment or being in nature.

·       When feeling lost, I find nature and being outside to be a vital reset. Bonus relaxation points if it’s the bush or the beach.

My attitude to the development of a manifesto is that of a snapshot. It is the beginning of a deeper reflection of my values at this point, however not a restrictive model. Over time, as my life evolves, I fully expect the manifesto to do the same. As Cheryl Strayed said: “Don’t surrender all of your joy for an idea you used to have about yourself that isn’t true anymore”

Until next week!

AP