trajectory of a life

I’ve had writing + recording my manifesto on my to-do list for a while now but it had fallen into that realm of projects I start and  then leave unfinished time and time again. Perhaps it was the new year or reading another’s manifesto in my planner this morning, but for whatever reason, I was inspired to finally finish mine today. I’m sure it will morph over the years, just as we all do. But, this is what I believe.

I believe in kindness for self and others. | I believe in do-gooding regularly with no need for recognition. | I believe in pedicures and spa days. | I believe learning new things and taking classes is the path to self. | I believe taking steps outside one’s comfort zone should be done daily. | I believe accessories make an outfit. | I believe music is truly good for the soul. | I believe in solo travel and movies and dinner dates. | I believe in wanderlust. | I believe in making lists and plans and goals. | I believe in taking time to laugh and learn and love. | I believe your life is your message to the world and you should do all you can to make it inspiring. | I believe in leaving a legacy. | I believe being at 36k feet with no access to cellphones is bliss. | I believe in pausing and mindfulness and taking time to just be. | I believe the city is where I belong but there’s something to be said about wide-open spaces. | I believe in friendships and time spent laughing and building relationships. | I believe we are all connected. | I believe a home filled with books is a happy one. | I believe in hard work and integrity. | I believe we are all doing the best we can with what we have. | I believe in mountain air and campfires and stargazing and majestic peaks. | I believe that my feet hitting the pavement and fresh air filling my lungs can change even the worst day. | I believe in lazy weekend mornings of writing and coffee drinking. | I believe in being a little bit overdressed for every occasion. | I believe in spending time with kiddos + seeing life through their eyes. | I believe in recording life through journals and blog posts. | I believe living in the arena and being vulnerable is the only true way to grow as a human being. | I believe in doing what sparks joy. | I believe the only way out is through. | I believe in owning your story. | I believe nothing is wasted. | I believe in holding myself to a standard of grace, not perfection. | I believe in beginning again, and again, and again. ~Nicole Joy, 1/3/2016