The last few years I’ve started to think deeply about who I want to be. Not what people think about me but actually who or how I want to live my life. I’m not sure if it’s a sign I’m getting older or a response to experiences over the last few years. I think it may be a little of column A and a little of column B.
2020 has been a big year for our family with Hubby’s medical issues. It has made me consciously consider how I want to live life with authenticity and integrity. Which has lead me to the idea of a manifesto for my own life.
Now I’m not sure if many of you have ever thought about a manifesto or having your own motto or guiding principle. It all seems, pardon the French but a little wanky. Maybe you already do and don’t even realise it!
Anne’s Life Ethos:
> Be kind. Yes cliche but I’ve realised so many are not kind to themselves or to each other. Also my father always said “never burn your bridges cause you may need them when you come back” so if we are unkind to others that’s a form of bridge burning.
> I love being married. Husband dear is always there for me as I for him. We were and still are friends first and foremost. When you find that someone don’t treat them with snide remarks or mockery. Plenty of others will do that so be there for each other. Build each other up positively. It really is lovely to come home to some one who cares deeply for you.
> My job as a parent is to make sure my children become functioning members of society. That means they know how to work, be respectful and can give back when it is their time. How I do this isn’t always to current societies norms but, I think it will all be okay in the end.
> Play. Play games with others, play in the surf or have fun in a river. Play with your friends. Yes play sounds odd when your 40 something or 30 or 50 something but gee it’s fun! It gives you a laugh and you get to hang out with friends and family for a laugh.
> Look after my land. I have finally started to acknowledge and curiously starting to jump into deeper knowledge around my countries Indigenous people’s way of connecting to country. It also aligns greatly with permaculture principles which I love. I want to learn to grow and cook with indigenous foods and repair damage done to the land that I live on from previous generations.
> Live simply with gratitude for all that I have. I look around where I live and what I have a realise how lucky I am. Husband dear and I have worked hard for this lifestyle we are creating and I love it.
> Work hard. I really do love teaching. It may not be the same profession that I started in and yes change in some areas has been needed and appreciated. But I do love to do a good job. Plus I want to show with doing to my children (like my parents did for me) that doing a good job is worthwhile and needed.
I know many of my little things seem cliche but after all I have gone through this year it has really made me pause and think. Home life and work are important to me and yes we could talk work life balance till the cows come home, but sometimes the pendulum does swing further to one side to the other. And you know what…..that’s okay. As long as you see it and make sure it swings back.
So how do you want to live your life? I would love to hear what is important to others.
Grateful Wonder 