Manifestos & Keep On Learning

This week, in the Pleasure Point, I encouraged everyone to find something in which you can become competent and proficient. It feels good to be an expert and it doesn't have to be rocket science. In fact, you might be admired more for knitting beautiful sweaters, designing efficient rooms, or knowing how to roast the perfect chicken. I also went on to say that it doesn't stop there. While you can be "known" for doing something extremely well, it's also important to keep adding to your personal information. It gives us something to look forward to -- what will I learn today?!?

As a mentor, I am also constantly being coached and supported personally. One of the most recent "assignments" from my teacher was to come up with a Manifesto. At first I didn't want to do it -- it felt overwhelming, but once I got started, it was liberating. I'll probably keep adding to it, however I wanted to share with you the first draft.

I believe no woman should apologize for who she is because we are all created by something divine and have a purpose here. When we look for what comes "easily" to us, that is our gift and talent.
I believe everyone should travel outside their town, their state & their country at least once because otherwise, we think our "world" is the only one and we will never get to experience the wonder of what's "out there".
I believe the patriarchy doesn't work for anyone, women or men because it's a particular group denying all the goodness in another. Through fear of a woman's power (she bleeds but she does not die) they somehow "knew" that if they created distrust among women (divide and conquer) it was the primary way to disempower them. What they didn't realize was that they would create general resentment and that the potential for them to reap the benefits of sweet relationships with women was also squashed.
I believe men & women are very different and need to celebrate that and uncover

where they mesh and complement. Instead of striving for a "gender neutral" society, let's say "viva la difference" and come together. Women are literally built to receive and men are literally built to give. This isn't the whole enchilada, but it's certainly one platform on which to connect. As women, let's also celebrate our connection with each other -- face it, a guy is never going to be your best "girlfriend", nor should he even expect to be. Let's not set each other up to fail.

I believe every woman is sassy and sensual. It's just who we are -- juicy & yummy. Sometimes we might forget that, but when we rev it up, we are unstoppable.
I believe age is not a limitation ... unless we make it one in our heads. What do you "expect" to be able to do at age ... ? Set your expectations higher. Grandma Moses began painting at 78!
I believe we are more powerful than we could ever imagine. Let's stop underestimating ourselves.
I believe maintaining a sense of humor is essential because sometimes you've just got to laugh at yourself or a situation because to succumb to its absurdity is defeating. A sense of humor is not an option, it's truly essential, like air and water.
I believe in succulent self-care because if you don't put your oxygen mask on first, you can't possibly help anyone else. When you come from your best space, everyone around you benefits.
I believe in having and following our dreams and having fun because the alternative sucks. I have no interest in choosing to be with complainers, whiners, or blamers.

Whew! Take a moment to take some of this in. Do you agree, disagree, feel inspired or swamped? I really would love to hear your responses if you feel moved to share. Maybe you have a manifesto of your own in you. Play with it, see what you uncover and have fun.