Manifesto for Growth…

This piece called ‘Imcomplete Manifesto for Growth’ by Carol Dubosch highlights what can be done with paper and ink. She has created a floor to ceiling list of ideas to live by, then elaborated in a smaller script the meaning behind each statement. Not only are the lettering and creativity amazing, the words provide great insights into what the artist believes. 

I have a nephew who is moving across the country for his first corporate job. The wonderful thing about moving away from home is that you figure out who you are, what you believe, and what you are willing to stand up for. Moving allows you to become you. There is no one to treat you like a child, a younger or older sibling, or remind you about what you did wrong when you were twelve. You have the joy of making your own way and making your own mistakes. You become you as you live and grow along your own path. And during this adventure called life, there are all sorts of things to absorb and learn about yourself and the world. Many, many, many people will tell you what is right or expected, or what you should do. Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one. When you move away life has a way of providing experiences and adventures to help you form your own opinions. 

If you had to write down your life lessons and beliefs, what would your manifesto say? What words do you live by, decide by, love by? And do the people around you know this about you or are they still guessing? What we believe eventually shows up in our decisions and our actions. What we have learned shows up in our integrity, our character, our joy. If you had a chance to talk to your twenty year old self, what would you say? What advice would you give? What comfort would you provide or hints would you lend to share or spare yourself along your early years? 

Do you know what you believe? Would you be able to explain it in short statements or sentences? Would other people benefit from your lessons and growth moments? I hope that this week you are able to share your wisdom with others – on paper, on a wall, or maybe just on a post it note. Know what you believe and pass it on.