Critical Reading (CR) Reflective Exercise #7
Prompt - Write a personal manifesto in one word sentences. A manifesto is an expressive treatise of everything that is in some way important to you. They are often political, but this does not need to be. One of those words has to relate to our theme. Below is an example.
Bananas. Love. Silence. Billboards. Animals. Dad. Wolfgang, Peace. Teddy Bear. Argument. Girls. Foil. Hamburger. Writing. Low Points. Mendacity. Lasso. Boodaface. Friendship. Fire. Cacti. Tummy. Lavazza. Tea. Conundrum.
After you do that, write about why you chose those words.
Lightness. Darkness. Kindness. Hatred. Love. Grief. Perseverance. Happiness. Sorrow. Honesty. Loyalty. Childhood. Maturity. Films. Nostalgia. Failure. Comfort. Art. Memories. Rest. Healing. Gratitude.
The twenty-two words I have selected as my manifesto displays some of the most significant parts of my life that each hold a very distinct and meaningful explication. I noticed how as I was writing these terms, many of them began opposing one another. I chose to stick with that theme, all the while incorporating a few of my favorite things or feelings. I started with the word lightness. From being in quite a dark place myself, having the knowledge that there would be a day where I would not feel that way anymore was motivating. I chose to be kind to myself and to those around me, never allowing the sense of hatred to take over my mind. I learned that growing to love is an act that is so important. Letting yourself open up and letting your guard down was nothing like I imagined. I learned to grieve, feel my feelings, and persevere through them because I had the support I needed. Happiness slowly started to show itself again in my life, and it was one of the best emotions I have ever experienced. Genuine contentness. Of course, sorrow will come and go, but it was never permanent for me. Honesty became one of my primary morals. Not having the need to be untruthful and sticking around for myself and others I knew would still need me. My childhood and how it compares to the person I have grown to be today is something I think about every single day - having one foot stuck in childhood and the other in adulthood, not being quite sure where to go from there. Films have been an escape of my reality, and they have really helped me develop and expand my knowledge. The feeling of nostalgia tends to come about as I recognize how far I’ve come, and I consider that to be a very positive thing. And then there’s the feeling of failure. Being a complete and utter disappointment. This has and probably will always be my biggest fear, but I have taught myself that there is so much more to life than worrying about things like this. I found comfort in art, more specifically, the artistry of dance. I have been dancing ever since I was three years old, and it will continue to remain one of the most remarkable parts of my life. The memories from when I was younger and dreaming of the day I could pursue my desire is something that constantly stays in my mind. Although I did have a change of heart and decided to put that dream to rest, I do not think that I gave up on that goal, but rather, I chose to do something different. Healing from that would be considered to be one of the most challenging things I’ve had to overcome, but in the end, I am undeniably grateful for making that decision and I have so much gratitude for the art form and everything it has taught me.
Faith G. Klijian, Feb 17, 2022
Link To CR Exercise #7 (Proof)