Manifesto

Today I will become an achiever.

Today I will print out "Desiderata" and read it each morning when my alarm goes off, until I can do it by memory.

When I read the poem at my alarm, I will actually get out of bed instead of hitting the snooze button.

Throughout my day, I will consciously let go of things that shouldn't bother me: Like the cigarette that beats pangs of stress, despite the broken accomplisment meant for better health; stress takes more years off your life than carbon monoxide.

My day will be accomplished with the help of no one. Head held high, responsibility all mine. I will take joy in cooking my own meals, making my own bed, prioritizing my life.

I won't let the bastards get me down.

Surrounding myself with people whom I love that love me.

Embellishing my stories. Letting my internal monologue turn into a conversation. The freedom of the stage of mind flourishing from floorboard to fly. I will be the main actor; the director; the crowd. I will cheer for the happy and sympathise with the sad. Allow my distance to be catharsis.

I can kill the plastic piece-off-something posed as a spider.
I can manage time so that it doesn't manage me.
I can burn the bridges to my fireproof Empire.
Allow myself to justify things -- stop this twenty-year guilt trip.
One day I will be able to look back on this and laugh.
One day I'll appreciate the internal dialogue.
One day I'll say this was how I became who I am.
Without fear, reproof, or undue anxiety.
I will be healthy even though it hurts.
I will sleep properly even though I'm never awake.
I will find myself even though I don't feel lost.