Motherhood Manifesto

A manifesto, by definition, is a declaration of one's beliefs, opinions, motives and intentions. It is simply a document that an organization or person writes that declares what is important to them.  A manifesto functions both as a statement of principles and a call to action.

Personally, I love that word, manifesto.  Being a person of focus and vision, specifically for my life and family, a manifesto captures my belief's in a nutshell. :)  I want to share my personal Motherhood Manifesto because the word "mom" has been the greatest title I could ever desire.  When I was pregnant with my first child, Lindsay, I had NO idea how "mom" would revolutionize my existence.  Becoming "mom" transformed my life. My focus in all I thought, said and did changed. 

When my three children were small, I got tired of hearing "mom" all day every day, but as my children grew up, I realized the emotions, responsibilities, and answers to all of life's questions, were wrapped up in that title. "Mom, where's my homework?";  ":Mom, will you pick me up at 4?"; "Mom, brother hit me!"; "Mom, tell her to stop!'; "Mom, the teacher needs you to fill out that form," "Mom, I'm scared. Will you pray with me?"  And on and on.  What a privilege to answer the call.  My daughter told me recently, "I should count how many times a day my boys call me mom.  I am sure it is over 300."  I would say she is quite accurate.  What a blessing to be called Mom.  

In my Motherhood Manifesto, you are entering into the values and beliefs of what is the most important to me as a mom.  This is still my creed, even though my children are young adults, beginning their own families.  

Motherhood Manifesto
Build a life we love.
God thought up children and family and home.  It was His idea and it is good.
I have been fashioned by God to be a happy mother of children. 
Find something every day to treasure in my heart. 
Mothers are keepers of history.  Create memories for my family. 
A simple life is a blessed life.  
Childlikeness is a worthy value.  Embrace it.
Take time to play & laugh.
Love well.
Speak to my child's spirit, not to the flesh. 
Say I'm sorry.
Study our children to know how to pray for them. 
Gather around the table.
Take time to listen. Be slow to respond.  
Cultivate an environment where everyone can flourish. 
100 year vision. Dream for the generations to come. 
Plant seeds in my children's hearts that will produce a great crop. 
Quality time means quantity time. 
Celebrate accomplishments, big & small. 
Relish every chapter in the story of motherhood.
Do my best. Trust God with the rest.
Connection with my child's heart is the goal. Relationship trumps rules. 
Fan my children's gifts, dreams, desires, and strengths into flame.
Transition from mother to friend as each child grows to adulthood.
 
**You are welcome to use my manifesto for your own or take a few ideas from  it.  I want to challenge you to create your own Manifesto that declares your beliefs, principles and intentions.