Manifesto

Politicians have manifestos. Mostly these are works of fiction and they are click bait - designed to get you to vote for them. And they usually find ways to break their promises when things go wrong. But this is different because you’re not voting for me. You’re thinking about things that YOU can do to make changes in your life.

  • Many of us spend our lives trying to please others and be what they think we should be. We conform to other’s norms rather than our own. No more! Being yourself is liberating. It means living life on your own terms. And that has to be the way to live your best life.

  • Following your own path is fine as long as it doesn’t cause pain to others. The world seems like a cruel place in 2024 with wars raging around the world. It’s a sad fact that this has been going on pretty much since we humans wanted something that someone else had. We took it from them by force and it seems that as a species, have learned little over the millennia, other than ever more efficient and elegant ways to kill each other.

  • It’s fine to be different and challenge the accepted way of thinking and living, but don’t criticise others who may not be like you. Show them there’s a better way and be an inspiration.

Getting older is, for some people a depressing thought. Diminishing mental and physical prowess are often accepted as part of the natural process. But it doesn’t have to be like that. The way I think is that it’s a state of mind. It’s about maintaining a zest for life. I’ve tried to define it by writing a short manifesto. Maybe you can think of other things to add here and if you can just ping me and let me know.

  • Get out of your comfort zone and do things you thought you couldn’t. Whether it’s walking a mile, climbing a mountain, going to a music festival, becoming a yoga teacher, learning to ski or acquiring a new skill. It’s only too late when you’re dead!

  • Problems and challenges seem unsurmountable to some people. Personally, I see them as an opportunity to do something that others may say I can’t. I learned to ski at 64 years old and it was scary. Many people told me that I was too old. That just made me even more determined to succeed. In 2024 I’m still skiing and loving it! Don’t say ‘I can’t do it’, say ‘How can I do it?’ You see, that one extra word makes all the difference!

  • Keep your brain active and chances are you’ll lead a more interesting and enriched life. Why not learn a language, study for a degree, write a book, make a movie, record some music, play a new sport or some other thing you thought you couldn’t do.