Thursday, June 18th, 2009

I had a revelation

posted by lizzie    « 7 Comments »    tied to Uncategorized   

A few nights ago we were talking with some friends about manifestos. You know, a list of things you stand for and aim for and such. In the morning I thought, Why the heck don’t I do that for myself? I remembered a story or something I read about writing down characteristics of the person you want to become and then reading it frequently, perhaps every day. Eventually you will realize that you have become that person. I have bemoaned the fact that motherhood and wifehood is hard for me to improve at because it is difficult to make measurable goals and too easy to say, “From now on I’m going to do _____” or “I’m never going to do ______ again” and then forget the next day or in the heat of the moment. So I thought that this manifesto thing was worth a shot.
I pulled out a 4×6 card and started:

I am a person who . . .
I am a wife who . . .
I am a mother who . . .
I am a writer who . . .

I’m finding it easy to come up with things about motherhood, but still really hard to come up with some solid characteristics of a good wife. I plan on taking some time with this, thinking things over and really imagining the person I want to become.
Some of the things I’ve come up with so far include:

  • looks for ways to help and serve others without being asked
  • acknowledges the help and sacrifices of others
  • actively strives to develop new skills and talents in friendship, homemaking, music, sewing, record keeping (journal writing and photography), etc.
  • keeps myself clean, healthy, and attractive
  • encourages my children to ask question, pursue interests, and voice their opinions
  • celebrates small victories and achievements
  • listens to my children’s concerns and addresses them appropriately

What do you think? What would you add? How would you go about such a task?

Comments

  1. Anonymous says:
    June 18, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    and the one of the most important things is to love yourself and be happy.

    Happiness attracts happiness

    right?

    From the most happiest guy in the world.

  2. Melissa says:
    June 19, 2009 at 3:47 am

    I like this idea! you're great at making goals and reaching them. That is something that I have always admired in you.

  3. Treston and Shelley says:
    June 19, 2009 at 5:42 am

    Thanks for the great idea. I think I need to do this. See? I told you that you guys are the most creative people in the world. You even come up with great self-improvement ideas! I love you!

  4. lizzie says:
    June 22, 2009 at 2:03 am

    I'm glad to get some positive feedback. I think it will be really helpful for me and I hope some of you can benefit from it too.

    Thanks.

  5. Anonymous says:
    June 22, 2009 at 5:47 am

    Can I just say that you have excellent writing chops!

  6. lizzie says:
    June 22, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    Why thank you, Anonymous. It's nice to hear that my education has had some noticeable results. :)

  7. Missy says:
    June 24, 2009 at 12:28 am

    Such a great idea. Thanks for posting this Lizzie! I will be thinking about this for me, too. I think it would be awesome to have a weekend (or night) away to really sit down and really flesh these things out after I'd had some time to stew them around for awhile. Best wishes on your journey of self-creation!

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