Usually a manifesto is reserved for political platforms or something “official”, and I decided it was time to write my own love manifesto. Full transparency, I did not come up with this on my own, but was inspired by Sean of the South and his work. Check it out https://seandietrich.com/ if you are interested.
“How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
In this year of 2026 and this month of February, I do hereby declare the following about what I love.
Walking our dog Tucker at sunrise in my pajamas (with many layers on top these days).
Voicing or saying my prayers for the day aloud (usually while walking in my pajamas).
Coming in from outdoors to feel the warmth of home.
The silence that comes with snowfall.
New relationships building slowly and beautifully.
Playing games after dinner, especially Backgammon and Banangrams (a rare bonus if I actually win).
Hugs… anytime, anywhere.
The first sip of strong coffee; and then the second and third sips.
Hot soup that feels like it penetrates my cold bones.
Real (versus the battery operated ones) candles lit around the house.
Holding hands with Jerry when we walk outdoors.
A juicy Cara Cara orange.
The scent of rosemary, cinnamon, bay leaves, and cloves simmering on the stovetop.
Gentle yoga the day after a hard hike or snow shoveling.
Colorful markers and gel pens for writing my to do lists.
Many colors and choices for lip gloss and chapstick.
How my skin drinks in Jojoba oil.
Rereading cards people have sent/written to me (especially on hard days).
When the studio blocks & blankets are perfectly arranged by color and size (a temporary pleasure).
A glass of cabernet sauvignon while preparing dinner.
Snuggles with Tucker, especially when there is not room for him on my lap or in the chair.
An unexpected text message from one of my adult children.
The sense of satisfaction that comes from clearing snow after shoveling; before the next band of snow arrives.
A jazzy new-to-me song on Spotify (my current favorite jam is Dive by Olivia Dean).
Fresh flannel sheets, just out of the dryer.
Rooting new plants indoors while we wait for spring.
“The most potent medicine is this ancient commitment to never abandon yourself- to discover wholeness in the whole-mess- to be a loving mother to your insides- to hold the broken bits in open awareness- to illuminate the sore places with the light of love.”
Jeff Foster
What I notice in compiling this list of what I love, is that it makes me happy; it makes me smile. Much like a gratitude list, it has the vibration I want more of in my days. Love begets love. Share your love by writing or speaking your manifesto regularly, seasonally, weekly.