#Reverb15 2016 Manifesto

Your last challenge for Reverb15 is to write your manifesto for 2016.

Kat recommended Alexandra Franzen’s 5 Ways to Write a Blow-Your-Mind Manifesto, in addition to reminding us of last year’s Day 21 post. I thought it would be neat to look at what I said last year, recap how that transcended into 2-15, write another list of statements for 2016, and then take a shot at the manifesto. I have had a soft spot for manifestos for almost 10 years now, thanks to taking several classes with Dr. Gregory Ulmer.

In 2015, I am open to… changes. I am open to the possibilities that will unfold before me. I am open to ideas that may not yet be known to me. I did indeed stay open to possibilities and new ideas. Plans changed, and I stayed open to the experiences.
In 2015, I want to feel… safe, loved, and nurtured. I want to feel that life is beautiful once again and unafraid of what’s next. I have felt that life is beautiful again. I still have moments of fear about the future, but I think I’m learning better techniques to feel the fear without becoming totally unglued.
In 2015, I will say no to… living in fear. I will say no to compromising myself when I know full well I can’t nurture others unless I’ve nurtured myself. I’ve had my moments. However, I have put my needs and those of my family forward this year. I took an extended break from tutoring, and I took the summer off of blogging.
In 2015, I will know I am on the right track when… I wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Good habits will feel natural, and I will see the happiness reflected in the faces of my children. On days when I have stuck to my intentions, I’ve seen the results. Good habits still aren’t coming as naturally as I’d like…
But when I find myself veering off course, I will gently but firmly… remind myself of all I have overcome. I certainly have the strength and ability to overcome so much, and there’s no reason to revert to fear, anxiety, worry, and depression. I always remembered what I have survived. I had a terrifying panic attack in June, but I have reminded myself of who I am and what I’m capable of.
In December 2015, I want to look back and say… I have accomplished my intentions of nurturing myself and my loved ones. I want to look back and say that I followed my heart and my dreams, that I found my path once again. I’m not quite clear on things just yet, but I know that I’m finding my path once again. I’ve followed my heart and dreams. I’ve been nurturing myself and my little core family. I think I’ve had a fairly good 2015.

In 2016, I am open to… restoring good habits and traditions that didn’t come naturally the last year and a half. I’m open to more possibilities and new ideas — to the answers finding me.
In 2016, I want to feel… refreshed, recharged, revived, healed, nurtured, and restored.
In 2016, I will say no to… negative thoughts, words, and actions. Too many times I’ve allowed the negativity of others poison my days. I’m firmly saying no from now on. I want to restore myself — that requires positivity energy.
In 2016, I will know I am on the right track when… I feel healthy, strong, fit, flexible, renewed, motivated, and accomplished. I will see it reflected in my surroundings and loved ones.
But when I find myself veering off course, I will gently but firmly… practice gratitude and happiness. Somehow writing things out always makes me feel better.
In December 2016, I want to look back and say… I had another good year — in fact, I want to say I’ve had a great year. I want to look back on this post, smile fondly, and remember that I’m strong and capable. I’m a woman of great character, and I want to continue building upon that character.

And now for the manifesto: I believe in the mysterious — in fate; I don’t believe in waiting idly for what you want. I want to live in a world where my children can grow and thrive as individuals, where people smile more often, laugh a lot, and stop being so uptight. Here’s what I know for sure: you win more flies with sugar than vinegar. Always smile!