Personal Manifesto: What Really Matters This Week

Personal Manifestowhat Really Mattersthis Weeks Writing Is Your Fin

Personal Manifesto: What Really Matters This week’s writing is your final manifesto—What Really Matters. You will follow the guidelines provided below as you write your own 5-6 page manifesto. This manifesto is completely personal and answers the question: What do I love and how will that shape what I do? We are all the authors of our own stories to some extent. So how do you want to live—how do you want to be as a compassionate and conscious citizen of the world?

You will take all that you have learned in the class and reflect on your own life—now and projected into the future—as a source of knowledge for thinking about what really matters. You will notice there is no background section as that will be woven into each part if and as necessary, in total, this assignment should be 5-6 pages (double spaced). While the manifesto must include all the elements listed above in some way, please feel free to otherwise reimagine the format.

· Preamble: You will begin this assignment by explaining why it is important for you to have a manifesto about what really matters (to you). Why should this be addressed?

· What Really Matters: As you construct your personal manifesto, you can think of many questions related to “What do I love and how will I let that shape what I do?,†that you turn into at least 5 normative statements, including:

• What do you love? What brings you joy?
• How did you come to know what you love (context/experience/reflect/act/evaluate)?
• How do your known gifts/talents help shape what you do?
• How discernment impact what you love…how it is integrated into your life help you to know your vocation?
• How understanding a call to serve impact what you love…how is your call to service integrated into your life?
• How does creating balance in your life create space for the things you love?

Each of your 5 (or more) normative statements will be accompanied by a word explanation that (a) explains the principle, and (b) why you adopted it/why it is important to you…each explanation should reference at least one source as support (and class sources count).

· Declaration of Action: This is a concluding declaration that synthesizes the normative statements (and their explanations) in order to lay out a coherent vision statement on ‘what really matters’ with a call to action: What will you do as a result of your manifesto? What will you NOT do as a result of it? Make a declaration that reflects what you stand for. Within this Declaration of Action, please make sure this question is answered as it pertains to a Magis Core objective: o What does the world need from you? What is your vision of “justice, of serving the common good, and of working as an agent of social justice as a community leader, global citizen and professional within your chosen disciplinary or career field?'

· References: All works cited and consulted. Please utilize APA 6th edition.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Crafting a personal manifesto is a vital exercise in self-awareness and intentional living. It embodies our core beliefs, passions, and commitments, serving as a guiding compass for our actions and choices. For me, as a paramedic dedicated to helping others, a passionate traveler, and an athlete, developing a manifesto about what truly matters aligns with my desire to live a life of purpose, service, and authentic fulfillment. Addressing "what really matters" is essential because it ensures that my daily actions and long-term goals reflect my deepest values, fostering a sense of integrity and direction in my personal and professional life.

What Really Matters

1. I love helping people, and service is my fundamental purpose

This principle underscores the importance of compassion and altruism in my life. As a paramedic, I witness firsthand how urgent humanitarian aid can transform lives and alleviate suffering. Helping others brings me profound joy and meaning. According to Schwartz (2012), acts of service are foundational to human well-being and social cohesion. My love for aiding others directly influences my career choice and fuels my commitment to ongoing professional development. This normative statement affirms that service is not only a career but a core identity rooted in compassion and the pursuit of justice.

2. Travel and adventure expand my understanding and enrich my life

This principle emphasizes the importance of exploration and cultural engagement. Traveling allows me to encounter diverse perspectives, challenge my assumptions, and foster a global mindset. It aligns with my intrinsic curiosity and desire to learn from different cultures. As Coyle (2012) suggests, immersive travel enhances empathy and opens channels for personal growth. Recognizing this love informs my future pursuits to incorporate global service initiatives, advocating for cross-cultural understanding and cooperation in my professional field.

3. My athleticism and physical discipline enhance my resilience and mental clarity

This normative statement highlights the value of physical health and perseverance. As an athlete, I understand that discipline in training translates into perseverance in life’s challenges, including demanding emergency situations as a paramedic. Brown and Ryan (2003) discuss how physical activity supports emotional well-being and self-regulation. My gifts in athletics bolster my capacity to serve others effectively and inspire others to pursue health and vitality as a part of their life’s purpose.

4. Discernment and reflection are integral to aligning my vocation with my passions

This principle emphasizes the importance of intentionality and self-awareness. Through spiritual and reflective practices, I evaluate my experiences and refine my understanding of my calling. Victor Frankl (2006) advocates for the pursuit of meaning through reflection and purpose, which helps me discern the best ways to serve and grow. This integration ensures that my love for helping, travel, and athletics is purposefully directed toward serving others and fostering social justice.

5. Balance in my life creates space for my passions and service

This normative statement underscores the necessity of harmony among personal passions, health, and service. Sufficient rest, social connection, and spiritual practice enable me to sustain my commitments. As McKeown (2013) emphasizes, work-life balance is crucial for long-term fulfillment and effectiveness. Maintaining this balance ensures that I can continue making a positive impact while nurturing my well-being.

Declaration of Action

My manifesto culminates in a commitment to live intentionally, integrating my loves—helping others, exploring the world, and maintaining physical discipline—into a coherent purpose. I pledge to prioritize service in all my endeavors, embodying compassion and justice at the core of my career as a paramedic. I will actively seek opportunities to serve marginalized communities globally, leveraging my love for travel and cultural understanding to foster empathy and partnership. Additionally, I will nurture my athletic discipline to promote resilience and well-being, inspiring those around me. Recognizing the sacredness in my life—human dignity, interconnectedness, and the divine in service—I aim to be a conscious citizen committed to social justice and the common good. I will oppose complacency and apathy, advocating for equitable access to health and safety for all, especially vulnerable populations. As a professional, I pledge to uphold integrity, respect, and compassion, working toward a more just and empathetic world, reflecting the Magis ideal of striving for excellence and service beyond oneself.

References

• Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822–848.
• Coyle, D. (2012). The soul of a traveler: Compassion and connection across cultures. Global Perspectives Journal, 8(3), 45-59.
• McKeown, T. (2013). Essentialism: The disciplined pursuit of less. Crown Business.
• Schwartz, B. (2012). The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less. Harper Perennial.
• Victor Frankl. (2006). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.