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
1: Welcome!
Having just completed my undergraduate degree in Architecture, I am stuck with the quarter-life crisis of a recent graduate. What comes next?
The simple answer: this does.
This blog, embedded within my website, is a place for continued learning and personal reflection.
It’s pieces will likely result in my mother phoning, to let me know that the grammar could certainly use some improving (continued learning comes in all shapes and forms).
My aim: to continue learning after formal education, and to push my curiosity and creativity in architecture and life.
Throughout university, I was challenged in so many ways- trying to learn the language of architecture, computer programs, laser cutters and German, while delivering projects that were somewhat resolved, led me to many sleepless nights and breakdowns.
While this was challenging, I feel that there is still so much left for me to learn- from technical to philosophical and historical. I want to be the best possible person for whatever opportunities present themselves in the future. My experience of architecture thus far has proved incredibly addictive, and my thirst to learn ever present.
So, in the quest for personal and professional improvement, and to equip myself for postgraduate studies, I’ll be coming to this space. Here, I want to be developing a personal manifesto, building technical skills, revisiting some older projects with fresh eyes, researching, reflecting and reading.
Each week, I am going to post a short blog. This is a way of making myself accountable for continuing to experiment, work and develop personally. Further, the website and blog can act as an archive of the problems that I have faced, thoughts I have had, places explored and projects that I have experimented with. In terms of content, this will evolve organically, week by week, always coming back to the theme of continued learning.
And so, the quest begins. Until next week!
AP