Holstee

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Classes taken out of a need to shake the tree, as it were, have become a life path and a channel for the creative bug I always new was inside of me. I spent many years in advertising, managing creative folks, watching great, smart ideas make their way into the world and I wondered what my contribution to the creative picture would be. Several floral design classes, years and amazing clients later and I am now the proud CEO of The Blissful Bloom! We are a small, bespoke floral design studio based in NY. I’m grateful for the courage to walk away from a fulfilling career to start a new one. For me, by me. Most importantly, I’m surrounded by other awesome entrepreneurs in varied stages of their businesses and we all see how important it is to inspire and encourage one another. Paying it forward, if you will. I’ve never been more free, excited and anxious in my life. I think it means I’m doing something right.  That’s My Life and I love it! - Tara J. Maldonado

Classes taken out of a need to shake the tree, as it were, have become a life path and a channel for the creative bug I always new was inside of me.

I spent many years in advertising, managing creative folks, watching great, smart ideas make their way into the world and I wondered what my contribution to the creative picture would be.

Several floral design classes, years and amazing clients later and I am now the proud CEO of The Blissful Bloom! We are a small, bespoke floral design studio based in NY. I’m grateful for the courage to walk away from a fulfilling career to start a new one. For me, by me. Most importantly, I’m surrounded by other awesome entrepreneurs in varied stages of their businesses and we all see how important it is to inspire and encourage one another. Paying it forward, if you will.

I’ve never been more free, excited and anxious in my life. I think it means I’m doing something right.  That’s My Life and I love it!

- Tara J. Maldonado

2 months ago  View high resolution

I quit my job as a graphic designer in 2005, in the hope that I could one day become proud of the answer to the question, “What do you do?” A few years later, once I’d made true on my promise, I was approached by a production company who wanted to make a small video about my life choices. I’ll admit, up until then I hadn’t heard of the Holstee Manifesto and when they sent over a script for me to narrate for the video I thought, “These guys have written this just for me, and they nailed it!” Your Manifesto stands for everyone good, true and worthwhile in life. It’s a reminder not to take time for granted, and that allowing passion to flourish is integral to happiness. Thank you for making the world a better place.  - Dave Cornthwaite

I quit my job as a graphic designer in 2005, in the hope that I could one day become proud of the answer to the question, “What do you do?”

A few years later, once I’d made true on my promise, I was approached by a production company who wanted to make a small video about my life choices. I’ll admit, up until then I hadn’t heard of the Holstee Manifesto and when they sent over a script for me to narrate for the video I thought, “These guys have written this just for me, and they nailed it!”

Your Manifesto stands for everyone good, true and worthwhile in life. It’s a reminder not to take time for granted, and that allowing passion to flourish is integral to happiness.

Thank you for making the world a better place. 

- Dave Cornthwaite

2 months ago  2 notes View high resolution

To me, the Holstee Manifesto has two significant meanings. It reminds me to live every day to the fullest, to do what I love and keep the people close to my heart that deserve it. I’ve always had the feeling life is too short to be wasted with doing something that does not make you happy. I am certainly not perfect, but I am so blessed that life, so far, has given me good things and valuable lessons to learn. The Manifesto also speaks to me in relationship with the bond with my parents. Especially my mother, who is a person full of inhibitions, full of self-loathing and doubt, and in her 50+ years she has not overcome this and started to love herself the way she is. She, of course, is not perfect either, but she deserves more love of herself. I think most people are beautiful, as long as their souls are. She is a person with so much experience and wisdom of life - and therefore, a beautiful soul, but to her, all that matters is weight and wrinkles. To have a loved one utter sentences like “I wish I was anorexic for just a little while, just until I‘m thin” just hurts you and you can see how that self-hate makes herself and everyone around her miserable. My dad is a more practical man, but he is caught in a profession which on the one hand he absolutely loves, and which used to be his dream job, but on the other hand brings so much problems as the constellation of people having to work together is just awful. To me, my parents were clearly my role models. I have studied (still am, for a PhD) a very long time to be able to get into a profession that will make me happy for a long time, but which, hopefully, will also give me the freedom to leave a place that doesn’t suit me anymore. My parents have taught me how to chase your dreams, but also, how to NOT attempt it. I wish I could show them some of what I have learned not to do based on their examples. The Holstee Manifesto, to me, sums it up. Live your life with passion and share it with others. I would add: “Dance like nobody is watching.” Plus, as a little extra, this year I have met the man who has the potential to be on my side for the rest of my life and who will support all the great challenges and gifts this life gives and enjoy them together with me. And Im only 26. Incredible :) Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts. I hope you have a hopeful and happy story yourself, too. - Nathalie

To me, the Holstee Manifesto has two significant meanings. It reminds me to live every day to the fullest, to do what I love and keep the people close to my heart that deserve it. I’ve always had the feeling life is too short to be wasted with doing something that does not make you happy. I am certainly not perfect, but I am so blessed that life, so far, has given me good things and valuable lessons to learn.

The Manifesto also speaks to me in relationship with the bond with my parents. Especially my mother, who is a person full of inhibitions, full of self-loathing and doubt, and in her 50+ years she has not overcome this and started to love herself the way she is. She, of course, is not perfect either, but she deserves more love of herself. I think most people are beautiful, as long as their souls are. She is a person with so much experience and wisdom of life - and therefore, a beautiful soul, but to her, all that matters is weight and wrinkles. To have a loved one utter sentences like “I wish I was anorexic for just a little while, just until I‘m thin” just hurts you and you can see how that self-hate makes herself and everyone around her miserable. My dad is a more practical man, but he is caught in a profession which on the one hand he absolutely loves, and which used to be his dream job, but on the other hand brings so much problems as the constellation of people having to work together is just awful.

To me, my parents were clearly my role models. I have studied (still am, for a PhD) a very long time to be able to get into a profession that will make me happy for a long time, but which, hopefully, will also give me the freedom to leave a place that doesn’t suit me anymore. My parents have taught me how to chase your dreams, but also, how to NOT attempt it. I wish I could show them some of what I have learned not to do based on their examples. The Holstee Manifesto, to me, sums it up. Live your life with passion and share it with others. I would add: “Dance like nobody is watching.” Plus, as a little extra, this year I have met the man who has the potential to be on my side for the rest of my life and who will support all the great challenges and gifts this life gives and enjoy them together with me. And Im only 26. Incredible :)

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts. I hope you have a hopeful and happy story yourself, too.

- Nathalie

2 months ago 

I’ve discovered this Manifesto last year, being in New York and walking trough the streets. On the brick wall, looking at me as if saying, “You, what you try to make, understand, your friends, around you is all there,” then I’ve started sharing it. Working as 1st Assistant director in cinema makes some part that text more revelant than others. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something change it. Getting lost will help your find yourself. This is basic in working in that kind of industry. Yourself is so invested in a project, in a idea, in following someone’s creative progress and making it happen, that you cannot do that just as a cool job. YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH YOUR PASSION, and being passionate is living. I think you can’t find yourself happy if you don’t follow your instinct and your true nature. Mine is doing films, helping directors make their imagination become life. Even more, working with that type of person, those who crave what they’re doing, is completely amazing. So, those and more reasons that would be too long to explain are why I’ve totally agree with what says that Manifesto. I trully love it. (Sorry for the potential mistakes around that text, sometimes writing is not as easy as talking. But, it’s written with humility and truth!) - Catherine Kirouac

I’ve discovered this Manifesto last year, being in New York and walking trough the streets. On the brick wall, looking at me as if saying, “You, what you try to make, understand, your friends, around you is all there,” then I’ve started sharing it.

Working as 1st Assistant director in cinema makes some part that text more revelant than others. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something change it. Getting lost will help your find yourself. This is basic in working in that kind of industry. Yourself is so invested in a project, in a idea, in following someone’s creative progress and making it happen, that you cannot do that just as a cool job. YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH YOUR PASSION, and being passionate is living. I think you can’t find yourself happy if you don’t follow your instinct and your true nature. Mine is doing films, helping directors make their imagination become life. Even more, working with that type of person, those who crave what they’re doing, is completely amazing.

So, those and more reasons that would be too long to explain are why I’ve totally agree with what says that Manifesto. I trully love it. (Sorry for the potential mistakes around that text, sometimes writing is not as easy as talking. But, it’s written with humility and truth!)

- Catherine Kirouac

2 months ago  1 note

Before I knew what it was, The Holstee Manifesto manifested inside me in 2008 when I bought a new journal. On the first page a started somewhat subconsciously to draw a picture. It was a picture of what I wanted my life to look like. I am no artist so it was pretty abstract but I knew what it was meant to represent and that is all that mattered. In this sketch I depicted a very alive person with a hugely open heart, expanding mind and well-established roots. This person is me. And from the image of me I drew some lines that opened up into a large spherical shape: sharing joy and knowledge I believe. I drew a table under the open sky full of food and drink and friends. And I included some lines and dots from one side of the page to another, which symbolized movement back and forth between two places. Other elements included water and gardens. For those of you not inside my own brain, I will translate. I wanted to build on the work life I had created in the food and wine industry and incorporate it more into my day-to-day life by living in Italy. I wanted share beautiful food with people I loved and in this process I wanted to gain a certain level of physical and emotional health that opened up my heart and mind. I wanted to be able to share this experience with others and help them on the road to fulfillment and wellness. And I wanted to bounce back and forth between Italy and my home in New England, although I didn’t know exactly where that was. I wanted roots in both places. Fast forward to 2013: I am writing from my home in Providence, Rhode Island. I am a wellness coach and personal cartographer (mapper of your life) and am running yoga, coaching and culinary retreats in Italy in the region where I spent the last two years living. The place where my second car lives along with several of my things and friends. My yoga and meditation practice is stronger than it’s ever been and I am starting yoga therapy training soon. I am surrounded by friends, the sea and am making plans for a spring garden. It did not all come easily and often it was quite a slog actually. Difficult decision, financial woes, set backs, challenging people. But a whole lot of joy and fun, too. Somewhere along the line I did read the Holstee Manifesto and every step of the way I kept both that and my sketch with me and used them to guide me as I plodded along. Today the drawing has been revised to make room for the version of me that I’ve created and I imagine it will always be this way. - Leigh Vincola

Before I knew what it was, The Holstee Manifesto manifested inside me in 2008 when I bought a new journal. On the first page a started somewhat subconsciously to draw a picture. It was a picture of what I wanted my life to look like. I am no artist so it was pretty abstract but I knew what it was meant to represent and that is all that mattered.

In this sketch I depicted a very alive person with a hugely open heart, expanding mind and well-established roots. This person is me. And from the image of me I drew some lines that opened up into a large spherical shape: sharing joy and knowledge I believe. I drew a table under the open sky full of food and drink and friends. And I included some lines and dots from one side of the page to another, which symbolized movement back and forth between two places. Other elements included water and gardens.

For those of you not inside my own brain, I will translate. I wanted to build on the work life I had created in the food and wine industry and incorporate it more into my day-to-day life by living in Italy. I wanted share beautiful food with people I loved and in this process I wanted to gain a certain level of physical and emotional health that opened up my heart and mind. I wanted to be able to share this experience with others and help them on the road to fulfillment and wellness. And I wanted to bounce back and forth between Italy and my home in New England, although I didn’t know exactly where that was. I wanted roots in both places.

Fast forward to 2013: I am writing from my home in Providence, Rhode Island. I am a wellness coach and personal cartographer (mapper of your life) and am running yoga, coaching and culinary retreats in Italy in the region where I spent the last two years living. The place where my second car lives along with several of my things and friends. My yoga and meditation practice is stronger than it’s ever been and I am starting yoga therapy training soon. I am surrounded by friends, the sea and am making plans for a spring garden.

It did not all come easily and often it was quite a slog actually. Difficult decision, financial woes, set backs, challenging people. But a whole lot of joy and fun, too. Somewhere along the line I did read the Holstee Manifesto and every step of the way I kept both that and my sketch with me and used them to guide me as I plodded along. Today the drawing has been revised to make room for the version of me that I’ve created and I imagine it will always be this way.

- Leigh Vincola

2 months ago  1 note View high resolution

I first read the Holstee Manifesto a few years back. It kinda blew me away because it was all the things I knew I should be doing and the reminders I needed, but all in one place. Pretty soon I was printing up miniature-sized copies and posting them outside my neighborhood coffee shop in San Diego because I felt like people had to read it. I used cheap tape and didn’t expect it to stay up for long, but miraculously it stuck to that lamppost for months. Sure, San Diego’s anemic rainfall helps, but I swear it withstood a couple downpours. I also like to believe people did read it and it made them smile, just like me. Everyone has parts of the Manifesto that they relate to best and here are mine: This is your life.  As I’m fond of saying, “It’s entirely up to you how awesome your life is.” Don’t create false barriers for yourself because it’s unlikely someone is working 24/7 to deny your dreams. It’s about not letting other people tell you how to live your life. If you aren’t hurting others, do what makes you happy. Live in nine different countries and learn their languages. Get married and have 3 kids. No one else gets to decide and for good reason - they don’t know what’s best for you. Maybe you don’t always know either, but you definitely have a better grasp. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop. They will be waiting for you when you start doing the things you love. This is probably the golden rule of romance, but doing things you love can cure just about any blues and give you purpose. Doing what you love is really just taking care of yourself and when you do that, you’ll attract other happy, healthy people into your life. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them. Having psychic powers is intriguing, but I think one of the best parts about life is not knowing what’s going to happen. It’s exciting to think about all the amazing people out there you’re going to meet and how much fun you’re going to have. Maybe the only lasting thing you’ll create is a friendship, but it could be something way more. A new community or an idea that changes the world. Today I have an official poster print in my bedroom. The helpful reminders don’t stare me down oppressively to get my shit together, but they’re there for me when I’m frustrated, irritated or just plain sad. A slow read or two helps me restore balance and keeps me upbeat. Since Holstee became part of my life, I’ve moved to a new city and even more recently figured out a way to spend more time writing, something that absolutely makes me happier. - Kiran Umapathy

I first read the Holstee Manifesto a few years back. It kinda blew me away because it was all the things I knew I should be doing and the reminders I needed, but all in one place. Pretty soon I was printing up miniature-sized copies and posting them outside my neighborhood coffee shop in San Diego because I felt like people had to read it. I used cheap tape and didn’t expect it to stay up for long, but miraculously it stuck to that lamppost for months. Sure, San Diego’s anemic rainfall helps, but I swear it withstood a couple downpours. I also like to believe people did read it and it made them smile, just like me.

Everyone has parts of the Manifesto that they relate to best and here are mine:

This is your life. 

As I’m fond of saying, “It’s entirely up to you how awesome your life is.” Don’t create false barriers for yourself because it’s unlikely someone is working 24/7 to deny your dreams. It’s about not letting other people tell you how to live your life. If you aren’t hurting others, do what makes you happy. Live in nine different countries and learn their languages. Get married and have 3 kids. No one else gets to decide and for good reason - they don’t know what’s best for you. Maybe you don’t always know either, but you definitely have a better grasp.

If you are looking for the love of your life, stop. They will be waiting for you when you start doing the things you love.

This is probably the golden rule of romance, but doing things you love can cure just about any blues and give you purpose. Doing what you love is really just taking care of yourself and when you do that, you’ll attract other happy, healthy people into your life.

Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them.

Having psychic powers is intriguing, but I think one of the best parts about life is not knowing what’s going to happen. It’s exciting to think about all the amazing people out there you’re going to meet and how much fun you’re going to have. Maybe the only lasting thing you’ll create is a friendship, but it could be something way more. A new community or an idea that changes the world.

Today I have an official poster print in my bedroom. The helpful reminders don’t stare me down oppressively to get my shit together, but they’re there for me when I’m frustrated, irritated or just plain sad. A slow read or two helps me restore balance and keeps me upbeat. Since Holstee became part of my life, I’ve moved to a new city and even more recently figured out a way to spend more time writing, something that absolutely makes me happier.

- Kiran Umapathy

2 months ago 

Last spring, I travelled Europe alone for 3 weeks in the hopes of finding my direction in life. During my journey, took photographs, blogged, sketched, and - upon my return to Canada - turned it into a book, complete with inspirational quotes. The book is about defining the moments in your life as opposed to letting those moments define you and stepping out of your comfort zone to discover new things about the world around you as well as yourself. - Amanda Weedmark

Last spring, I travelled Europe alone for 3 weeks in the hopes of finding my direction in life. During my journey, took photographs, blogged, sketched, and - upon my return to Canada - turned it into a book, complete with inspirational quotes. The book is about defining the moments in your life as opposed to letting those moments define you and stepping out of your comfort zone to discover new things about the world around you as well as yourself.

- Amanda Weedmark

3 months ago  View high resolution

This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often We each have a life and have to worry about this. We are our own masters, and as such, we must learn to live. This means knowing how to forgive, how to recognize their own mistakes about it and learn from them. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love Life is wonderful and my opinion is that it’s wonderful to share it with someone. There is nothing better than finding true love. Find a person who is on your side for all. That besides being your partner is your friend. Supports you in everything you do. They will try to get a smile most of all. Forgive me, but this is wonderful. The big mistake that some people (including myself) is trying to find love. Love is not looking. Love comes, you find. And as you said the Manifesto, he will be waiting. When you stop looking for it, you will find it. Life is simple  Life is more simple than you think. Simplicity is the best it can be. Do not forget that we are all people equally. Let’s be white, black, tall, short, thin or fat,… we are all people. Life goes beyond having who has more money than another, who triumphs over the other, who has more possessions. Life is the best there is, and sometimes we lose time trying to understand it when it’s as simple as that. So, just live it. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. So go out and start creating Life gives us opportunities every minute, every second … Many people regret things they have not done in some time, but if you did not, it was for something … You should never regret something that once did not want to do. We must aprobechar every opportunity that gives us life, because there are many who will not return. Never repeat the feeling of the first kiss, the first time you fall in love,… If you have a dream, chase. Do not stand idly by because you will not get anything by surprise if you stay at home locked. Sal, make, dare. Realise your dreams. Meet world. Meet new people. Be unique. Do what you want without you influence people’s opinion. It’s your life, not that of others. Therefore, take it to the maximum. - Daniel Millán (@justmillan)

This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often

We each have a life and have to worry about this. We are our own masters, and as such, we must learn to live. This means knowing how to forgive, how to recognize their own mistakes about it and learn from them.

If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love

Life is wonderful and my opinion is that it’s wonderful to share it with someone. There is nothing better than finding true love. Find a person who is on your side for all. That besides being your partner is your friend. Supports you in everything you do. They will try to get a smile most of all. Forgive me, but this is wonderful. The big mistake that some people (including myself) is trying to find love. Love is not looking. Love comes, you find. And as you said the Manifesto, he will be waiting. When you stop looking for it, you will find it.

Life is simple 

Life is more simple than you think. Simplicity is the best it can be. Do not forget that we are all people equally. Let’s be white, black, tall, short, thin or fat,… we are all people. Life goes beyond having who has more money than another, who triumphs over the other, who has more possessions. Life is the best there is, and sometimes we lose time trying to understand it when it’s as simple as that. So, just live it.
Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. So go out and start creating
Life gives us opportunities every minute, every second … Many people regret things they have not done in some time, but if you did not, it was for something … You should never regret something that once did not want to do. We must aprobechar every opportunity that gives us life, because there are many who will not return. Never repeat the feeling of the first kiss, the first time you fall in love,… If you have a dream, chase. Do not stand idly by because you will not get anything by surprise if you stay at home locked. Sal, make, dare. Realise your dreams. Meet world. Meet new people. Be unique. Do what you want without you influence people’s opinion. It’s your life, not that of others. Therefore, take it to the maximum.
- Daniel Millán (@justmillan)

3 months ago  1 note

“Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it.” The words of the Manifesto have somehow been able to tap into exactly what I have been struggling with/looking for/striving to find in my life. Since I happened upon the Manifesto via a late-night scroll through Facebook in efforts to avoid making progress on my thesis, my life has been altered. Each person I introduce the Manifesto to, I feel a little strange saying “This poster changed my life,” but then I don’t mind because it really has. The Manifesto has allowed me to view life in a way where everything makes sense; everything is simple.  The Manifesto appeared in my life in the midst of completing several graduate school applications to social work programs, writing and rewriting my thesis on alternative approaches to therapy, searching for past employers and professors who might take time out of their lives to recommend me to these graduate schools, and at the same time, imagining the possibilities if I didn’t pursue graduate school and moved to Europe to become a baker or a street performer instead. Since reading the first lines of the Manifesto, I’ve spent my days and nights trying to discover what it is I love to do, so that I can do it often. This has inevitably led to increasingly more pumpkin spice lattes, involvement in creating a production with my school theatre arts program, impromptu shopping trips with my fifteen-year-old sister who has significantly more money to spend on new trends than I, forcing myself to get out of bed in the morning to do more yoga, and squeezing in time to have dinner with friends throughout the week despite how long a day of work might feel. In my search to find out “what I love to do so I can do it often” and therefore pursue that for the rest of my life, I’ve realized I love the joy of being a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, the beautiful days I continually wake up to, and the ability to share these things with the people around me. Whether I end up getting accepted into graduate school or moving to Switzerland to live my life as a barista, I intend to live each day as it comes and not focus on the unpredictability of the future. I’ll live every moment doing things that I love and making sure to always love what I do, because if I die tomorrow, I want to die knowing I’ve lived each day the best way that I could and filled my life with beautiful moments.Thank you, Manifesto makers, for inspiring my life daily and encouraging me to appreciate every moment I’m alive.

“Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it.”

The words of the Manifesto have somehow been able to tap into exactly what I have been struggling with/looking for/striving to find in my life.

Since I happened upon the Manifesto via a late-night scroll through Facebook in efforts to avoid making progress on my thesis, my life has been altered. Each person I introduce the Manifesto to, I feel a little strange saying “This poster changed my life,” but then I don’t mind because it really has. The Manifesto has allowed me to view life in a way where everything makes sense; everything is simple. 

The Manifesto appeared in my life in the midst of completing several graduate school applications to social work programs, writing and rewriting my thesis on alternative approaches to therapy, searching for past employers and professors who might take time out of their lives to recommend me to these graduate schools, and at the same time, imagining the possibilities if I didn’t pursue graduate school and moved to Europe to become a baker or a street performer instead.

Since reading the first lines of the Manifesto, I’ve spent my days and nights trying to discover what it is I love to do, so that I can do it often. This has inevitably led to increasingly more pumpkin spice lattes, involvement in creating a production with my school theatre arts program, impromptu shopping trips with my fifteen-year-old sister who has significantly more money to spend on new trends than I, forcing myself to get out of bed in the morning to do more yoga, and squeezing in time to have dinner with friends throughout the week despite how long a day of work might feel. In my search to find out “what I love to do so I can do it often” and therefore pursue that for the rest of my life, I’ve realized I love the joy of being a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, the beautiful days I continually wake up to, and the ability to share these things with the people around me.

Whether I end up getting accepted into graduate school or moving to Switzerland to live my life as a barista, I intend to live each day as it comes and not focus on the unpredictability of the future. I’ll live every moment doing things that I love and making sure to always love what I do, because if I die tomorrow, I want to die knowing I’ve lived each day the best way that I could and filled my life with beautiful moments.

Thank you, Manifesto makers, for inspiring my life daily and encouraging me to appreciate every moment I’m alive.

3 months ago  1 note View high resolution

When my parents both died suddenly within 3 months of each other, I threw myself into my work, which I love. Nineteen months later, I was exhausted and needed to stop. On an absolute whim, I applied for a travel job and surprisingly got it! I spent the next 3 years learning about love, life, travel and people. I also met someone who would years later end up being my husband. I miss my folks all the time, my dad particularly. He was a traveler and I know he would be proud of me. But if they were both here, my life would be so different. And I do love my life. I would never have met the amazing people or done the crazy things if I had not got the job. So in a strange way, my parents lead me to this life. Holstee’s principles were mine even before I read the Manifesto. This is your life and on this journey there are no practice runs, so go for it. Never think if you miss a few things you can get it the next time around.  :) - Dawn

When my parents both died suddenly within 3 months of each other, I threw myself into my work, which I love. Nineteen months later, I was exhausted and needed to stop.

On an absolute whim, I applied for a travel job and surprisingly got it! I spent the next 3 years learning about love, life, travel and people. I also met someone who would years later end up being my husband.

I miss my folks all the time, my dad particularly. He was a traveler and I know he would be proud of me. But if they were both here, my life would be so different. And I do love my life. I would never have met the amazing people or done the crazy things if I had not got the job. So in a strange way, my parents lead me to this life.

Holstee’s principles were mine even before I read the Manifesto. This is your life and on this journey there are no practice runs, so go for it. Never think if you miss a few things you can get it the next time around.  :)

- Dawn

3 months ago  2 notes View high resolution

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist in Philadelphia. When I first saw the Manifesto, I was struck by how one poster could capture so many important ideas. I bought one to display in the waiting room of my office. Recently, I bought one for my daughter, who is a Special Education middle school teacher. She can’t decide whether to display it in her classroom or in her apartment. I may have to buy another one! - Richard Brewer

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist in Philadelphia. When I first saw the Manifesto, I was struck by how one poster could capture so many important ideas. I bought one to display in the waiting room of my office. Recently, I bought one for my daughter, who is a Special Education middle school teacher. She can’t decide whether to display it in her classroom or in her apartment. I may have to buy another one!

- Richard Brewer

3 months ago 

After the perfect dharma of a job, and a knee surgery gone awry … I became lost. Lost as to who I was without that definition of myself by what I do … a quantifier, a boundary, a box. It was only when I surrendered to being lost that I began to find myself, to understand self-compassion & self-recognition. To find your lost places, and glory there - that is Life. - Susie Bertie

After the perfect dharma of a job, and a knee surgery gone awry … I became lost. Lost as to who I was without that definition of myself by what I do … a quantifier, a boundary, a box. It was only when I surrendered to being lost that I began to find myself, to understand self-compassion & self-recognition. To find your lost places, and glory there - that is Life.

- Susie Bertie

3 months ago  1 note

I was laid off in the summer of 2011, after nearly a decade working in higher ed.  I had become increasingly frustrated and unhappy in my career and embraced the layoff as the universe’s way of telling me that it was finally time for a change. I went back to school for a second Masters Degree in Information Systems (a far cry from my first degree in counseling). 18 months, 36 credits, countless Code Academy hours and a graduate research assistantship later - I am happily ensconced in both a new job and career path. I’m working on projects I want to be working on, for a company I’m proud to work for, with a group of people I’m learning from every day.   It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say that I do what I love and love what I do.  It feels so good to be able to say that - and mean it - every single day! - Rachel Yudell

I was laid off in the summer of 2011, after nearly a decade working in higher ed.  I had become increasingly frustrated and unhappy in my career and embraced the layoff as the universe’s way of telling me that it was finally time for a change. I went back to school for a second Masters Degree in Information Systems (a far cry from my first degree in counseling). 18 months, 36 credits, countless Code Academy hours and a graduate research assistantship later - I am happily ensconced in both a new job and career path. I’m working on projects I want to be working on, for a company I’m proud to work for, with a group of people I’m learning from every day.  

It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say that I do what I love and love what I do.  It feels so good to be able to say that - and mean it - every single day!

- Rachel Yudell

3 months ago  View high resolution

About 3 months ago I ordered your Manifesto. Now, it is hanging on the wall of my living room here in Zurich, Switzerland. There is no special way or thing in my life but I really do like your Manifesto. I literally like every word of it. Because I feel and think a lot like this words. “Do something with your life and do it good and your way!” Wonderful. Of course even without the Manifesto I was thinking like this, but the Manifesto shows me that there are other people on this planet thinking the same way (or at least a similar one) than I do. This way of thinking brought me to the decision that, starting from now 2013, I’m no more being an employee somewhere but my own boss. Even if I don’t have any projects to do at the moment and therefore no money in sight, I still strongly feel that this was and is the right descision for me. I just feel very good! Which shows me the descision was right and the projects and some money will surely follow.- Andy Koller

About 3 months ago I ordered your Manifesto. Now, it is hanging on the wall of my living room here in Zurich, Switzerland. There is no special way or thing in my life but I really do like your Manifesto. I literally like every word of it. Because I feel and think a lot like this words. “Do something with your life and do it good and your way!” Wonderful.

Of course even without the Manifesto I was thinking like this, but the Manifesto shows me that there are other people on this planet thinking the same way (or at least a similar one) than I do. This way of thinking brought me to the decision that, starting from now 2013, I’m no more being an employee somewhere but my own boss. Even if I don’t have any projects to do at the moment and therefore no money in sight, I still strongly feel that this was and is the right descision for me. I just feel very good! Which shows me the descision was right and the projects and some money will surely follow.

- Andy Koller

4 months ago  View high resolution

My story is similar to others posted here, and that in itself is inspiring - that there are so many people deciding for themselves to make a difference in their own lives.   The lines in the Manifesto that relate most to where I am right now are: “Do What You Love and Do It Often” and “If You Don’t Like Your Job, Quit”.  Well, in my case, after over twenty-five years working in the corporate world, I did quit: with nothing except a commitment to embrace doing what I love, which in my case is writing. Now, I wouldn’t advise anyone without a financial safety net to do this on a whim, especially in today’s economy, so I gave myself a small cushion to get it right, and I’m diving in with both feet.  I just created my own website: www.sallyeastwood.com and it’s live! I’m ready to take on new challenges and enjoy the life I create for myself. Oh, and I will finish my novel. :-) - Sally Eastwood http://www.sallyeastwood.com

My story is similar to others posted here, and that in itself is inspiring - that there are so many people deciding for themselves to make a difference in their own lives.  

The lines in the Manifesto that relate most to where I am right now are: “Do What You Love and Do It Often” and “If You Don’t Like Your Job, Quit”.  Well, in my case, after over twenty-five years working in the corporate world, I did quit: with nothing except a commitment to embrace doing what I love, which in my case is writing.

Now, I wouldn’t advise anyone without a financial safety net to do this on a whim, especially in today’s economy, so I gave myself a small cushion to get it right, and I’m diving in with both feet.  I just created my own website: www.sallyeastwood.com and it’s live! I’m ready to take on new challenges and enjoy the life I create for myself.

Oh, and I will finish my novel. :-)

- Sally Eastwood

http://www.sallyeastwood.com

4 months ago  View high resolution

Classes taken out of a need to shake the tree, as it were, have become a life path and a channel for the creative bug I always new was inside of me. I spent many years in advertising, managing creative folks, watching great, smart ideas make their way into the world and I wondered what my contribution to the creative picture would be. Several floral design classes, years and amazing clients later and I am now the proud CEO of The Blissful Bloom! We are a small, bespoke floral design studio based in NY. I’m grateful for the courage to walk away from a fulfilling career to start a new one. For me, by me. Most importantly, I’m surrounded by other awesome entrepreneurs in varied stages of their businesses and we all see how important it is to inspire and encourage one another. Paying it forward, if you will. I’ve never been more free, excited and anxious in my life. I think it means I’m doing something right.  That’s My Life and I love it! - Tara J. Maldonado

Classes taken out of a need to shake the tree, as it were, have become a life path and a channel for the creative bug I always new was inside of me.

I spent many years in advertising, managing creative folks, watching great, smart ideas make their way into the world and I wondered what my contribution to the creative picture would be.

Several floral design classes, years and amazing clients later and I am now the proud CEO of The Blissful Bloom! We are a small, bespoke floral design studio based in NY. I’m grateful for the courage to walk away from a fulfilling career to start a new one. For me, by me. Most importantly, I’m surrounded by other awesome entrepreneurs in varied stages of their businesses and we all see how important it is to inspire and encourage one another. Paying it forward, if you will.

I’ve never been more free, excited and anxious in my life. I think it means I’m doing something right.  That’s My Life and I love it!

- Tara J. Maldonado

I quit my job as a graphic designer in 2005, in the hope that I could one day become proud of the answer to the question, “What do you do?” A few years later, once I’d made true on my promise, I was approached by a production company who wanted to make a small video about my life choices. I’ll admit, up until then I hadn’t heard of the Holstee Manifesto and when they sent over a script for me to narrate for the video I thought, “These guys have written this just for me, and they nailed it!” Your Manifesto stands for everyone good, true and worthwhile in life. It’s a reminder not to take time for granted, and that allowing passion to flourish is integral to happiness. Thank you for making the world a better place.  - Dave Cornthwaite

I quit my job as a graphic designer in 2005, in the hope that I could one day become proud of the answer to the question, “What do you do?”

A few years later, once I’d made true on my promise, I was approached by a production company who wanted to make a small video about my life choices. I’ll admit, up until then I hadn’t heard of the Holstee Manifesto and when they sent over a script for me to narrate for the video I thought, “These guys have written this just for me, and they nailed it!”

Your Manifesto stands for everyone good, true and worthwhile in life. It’s a reminder not to take time for granted, and that allowing passion to flourish is integral to happiness.

Thank you for making the world a better place. 

- Dave Cornthwaite

To me, the Holstee Manifesto has two significant meanings. It reminds me to live every day to the fullest, to do what I love and keep the people close to my heart that deserve it. I’ve always had the feeling life is too short to be wasted with doing something that does not make you happy. I am certainly not perfect, but I am so blessed that life, so far, has given me good things and valuable lessons to learn. The Manifesto also speaks to me in relationship with the bond with my parents. Especially my mother, who is a person full of inhibitions, full of self-loathing and doubt, and in her 50+ years she has not overcome this and started to love herself the way she is. She, of course, is not perfect either, but she deserves more love of herself. I think most people are beautiful, as long as their souls are. She is a person with so much experience and wisdom of life - and therefore, a beautiful soul, but to her, all that matters is weight and wrinkles. To have a loved one utter sentences like “I wish I was anorexic for just a little while, just until I‘m thin” just hurts you and you can see how that self-hate makes herself and everyone around her miserable. My dad is a more practical man, but he is caught in a profession which on the one hand he absolutely loves, and which used to be his dream job, but on the other hand brings so much problems as the constellation of people having to work together is just awful. To me, my parents were clearly my role models. I have studied (still am, for a PhD) a very long time to be able to get into a profession that will make me happy for a long time, but which, hopefully, will also give me the freedom to leave a place that doesn’t suit me anymore. My parents have taught me how to chase your dreams, but also, how to NOT attempt it. I wish I could show them some of what I have learned not to do based on their examples. The Holstee Manifesto, to me, sums it up. Live your life with passion and share it with others. I would add: “Dance like nobody is watching.” Plus, as a little extra, this year I have met the man who has the potential to be on my side for the rest of my life and who will support all the great challenges and gifts this life gives and enjoy them together with me. And Im only 26. Incredible :) Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts. I hope you have a hopeful and happy story yourself, too. - Nathalie

To me, the Holstee Manifesto has two significant meanings. It reminds me to live every day to the fullest, to do what I love and keep the people close to my heart that deserve it. I’ve always had the feeling life is too short to be wasted with doing something that does not make you happy. I am certainly not perfect, but I am so blessed that life, so far, has given me good things and valuable lessons to learn.

The Manifesto also speaks to me in relationship with the bond with my parents. Especially my mother, who is a person full of inhibitions, full of self-loathing and doubt, and in her 50+ years she has not overcome this and started to love herself the way she is. She, of course, is not perfect either, but she deserves more love of herself. I think most people are beautiful, as long as their souls are. She is a person with so much experience and wisdom of life - and therefore, a beautiful soul, but to her, all that matters is weight and wrinkles. To have a loved one utter sentences like “I wish I was anorexic for just a little while, just until I‘m thin” just hurts you and you can see how that self-hate makes herself and everyone around her miserable. My dad is a more practical man, but he is caught in a profession which on the one hand he absolutely loves, and which used to be his dream job, but on the other hand brings so much problems as the constellation of people having to work together is just awful.

To me, my parents were clearly my role models. I have studied (still am, for a PhD) a very long time to be able to get into a profession that will make me happy for a long time, but which, hopefully, will also give me the freedom to leave a place that doesn’t suit me anymore. My parents have taught me how to chase your dreams, but also, how to NOT attempt it. I wish I could show them some of what I have learned not to do based on their examples. The Holstee Manifesto, to me, sums it up. Live your life with passion and share it with others. I would add: “Dance like nobody is watching.” Plus, as a little extra, this year I have met the man who has the potential to be on my side for the rest of my life and who will support all the great challenges and gifts this life gives and enjoy them together with me. And Im only 26. Incredible :)

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts. I hope you have a hopeful and happy story yourself, too.

- Nathalie

I’ve discovered this Manifesto last year, being in New York and walking trough the streets. On the brick wall, looking at me as if saying, “You, what you try to make, understand, your friends, around you is all there,” then I’ve started sharing it. Working as 1st Assistant director in cinema makes some part that text more revelant than others. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something change it. Getting lost will help your find yourself. This is basic in working in that kind of industry. Yourself is so invested in a project, in a idea, in following someone’s creative progress and making it happen, that you cannot do that just as a cool job. YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH YOUR PASSION, and being passionate is living. I think you can’t find yourself happy if you don’t follow your instinct and your true nature. Mine is doing films, helping directors make their imagination become life. Even more, working with that type of person, those who crave what they’re doing, is completely amazing. So, those and more reasons that would be too long to explain are why I’ve totally agree with what says that Manifesto. I trully love it. (Sorry for the potential mistakes around that text, sometimes writing is not as easy as talking. But, it’s written with humility and truth!) - Catherine Kirouac

I’ve discovered this Manifesto last year, being in New York and walking trough the streets. On the brick wall, looking at me as if saying, “You, what you try to make, understand, your friends, around you is all there,” then I’ve started sharing it.

Working as 1st Assistant director in cinema makes some part that text more revelant than others. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something change it. Getting lost will help your find yourself. This is basic in working in that kind of industry. Yourself is so invested in a project, in a idea, in following someone’s creative progress and making it happen, that you cannot do that just as a cool job. YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH YOUR PASSION, and being passionate is living. I think you can’t find yourself happy if you don’t follow your instinct and your true nature. Mine is doing films, helping directors make their imagination become life. Even more, working with that type of person, those who crave what they’re doing, is completely amazing.

So, those and more reasons that would be too long to explain are why I’ve totally agree with what says that Manifesto. I trully love it. (Sorry for the potential mistakes around that text, sometimes writing is not as easy as talking. But, it’s written with humility and truth!)

- Catherine Kirouac

Before I knew what it was, The Holstee Manifesto manifested inside me in 2008 when I bought a new journal. On the first page a started somewhat subconsciously to draw a picture. It was a picture of what I wanted my life to look like. I am no artist so it was pretty abstract but I knew what it was meant to represent and that is all that mattered. In this sketch I depicted a very alive person with a hugely open heart, expanding mind and well-established roots. This person is me. And from the image of me I drew some lines that opened up into a large spherical shape: sharing joy and knowledge I believe. I drew a table under the open sky full of food and drink and friends. And I included some lines and dots from one side of the page to another, which symbolized movement back and forth between two places. Other elements included water and gardens. For those of you not inside my own brain, I will translate. I wanted to build on the work life I had created in the food and wine industry and incorporate it more into my day-to-day life by living in Italy. I wanted share beautiful food with people I loved and in this process I wanted to gain a certain level of physical and emotional health that opened up my heart and mind. I wanted to be able to share this experience with others and help them on the road to fulfillment and wellness. And I wanted to bounce back and forth between Italy and my home in New England, although I didn’t know exactly where that was. I wanted roots in both places. Fast forward to 2013: I am writing from my home in Providence, Rhode Island. I am a wellness coach and personal cartographer (mapper of your life) and am running yoga, coaching and culinary retreats in Italy in the region where I spent the last two years living. The place where my second car lives along with several of my things and friends. My yoga and meditation practice is stronger than it’s ever been and I am starting yoga therapy training soon. I am surrounded by friends, the sea and am making plans for a spring garden. It did not all come easily and often it was quite a slog actually. Difficult decision, financial woes, set backs, challenging people. But a whole lot of joy and fun, too. Somewhere along the line I did read the Holstee Manifesto and every step of the way I kept both that and my sketch with me and used them to guide me as I plodded along. Today the drawing has been revised to make room for the version of me that I’ve created and I imagine it will always be this way. - Leigh Vincola

Before I knew what it was, The Holstee Manifesto manifested inside me in 2008 when I bought a new journal. On the first page a started somewhat subconsciously to draw a picture. It was a picture of what I wanted my life to look like. I am no artist so it was pretty abstract but I knew what it was meant to represent and that is all that mattered.

In this sketch I depicted a very alive person with a hugely open heart, expanding mind and well-established roots. This person is me. And from the image of me I drew some lines that opened up into a large spherical shape: sharing joy and knowledge I believe. I drew a table under the open sky full of food and drink and friends. And I included some lines and dots from one side of the page to another, which symbolized movement back and forth between two places. Other elements included water and gardens.

For those of you not inside my own brain, I will translate. I wanted to build on the work life I had created in the food and wine industry and incorporate it more into my day-to-day life by living in Italy. I wanted share beautiful food with people I loved and in this process I wanted to gain a certain level of physical and emotional health that opened up my heart and mind. I wanted to be able to share this experience with others and help them on the road to fulfillment and wellness. And I wanted to bounce back and forth between Italy and my home in New England, although I didn’t know exactly where that was. I wanted roots in both places.

Fast forward to 2013: I am writing from my home in Providence, Rhode Island. I am a wellness coach and personal cartographer (mapper of your life) and am running yoga, coaching and culinary retreats in Italy in the region where I spent the last two years living. The place where my second car lives along with several of my things and friends. My yoga and meditation practice is stronger than it’s ever been and I am starting yoga therapy training soon. I am surrounded by friends, the sea and am making plans for a spring garden.

It did not all come easily and often it was quite a slog actually. Difficult decision, financial woes, set backs, challenging people. But a whole lot of joy and fun, too. Somewhere along the line I did read the Holstee Manifesto and every step of the way I kept both that and my sketch with me and used them to guide me as I plodded along. Today the drawing has been revised to make room for the version of me that I’ve created and I imagine it will always be this way.

- Leigh Vincola

I first read the Holstee Manifesto a few years back. It kinda blew me away because it was all the things I knew I should be doing and the reminders I needed, but all in one place. Pretty soon I was printing up miniature-sized copies and posting them outside my neighborhood coffee shop in San Diego because I felt like people had to read it. I used cheap tape and didn’t expect it to stay up for long, but miraculously it stuck to that lamppost for months. Sure, San Diego’s anemic rainfall helps, but I swear it withstood a couple downpours. I also like to believe people did read it and it made them smile, just like me. Everyone has parts of the Manifesto that they relate to best and here are mine: This is your life.  As I’m fond of saying, “It’s entirely up to you how awesome your life is.” Don’t create false barriers for yourself because it’s unlikely someone is working 24/7 to deny your dreams. It’s about not letting other people tell you how to live your life. If you aren’t hurting others, do what makes you happy. Live in nine different countries and learn their languages. Get married and have 3 kids. No one else gets to decide and for good reason - they don’t know what’s best for you. Maybe you don’t always know either, but you definitely have a better grasp. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop. They will be waiting for you when you start doing the things you love. This is probably the golden rule of romance, but doing things you love can cure just about any blues and give you purpose. Doing what you love is really just taking care of yourself and when you do that, you’ll attract other happy, healthy people into your life. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them. Having psychic powers is intriguing, but I think one of the best parts about life is not knowing what’s going to happen. It’s exciting to think about all the amazing people out there you’re going to meet and how much fun you’re going to have. Maybe the only lasting thing you’ll create is a friendship, but it could be something way more. A new community or an idea that changes the world. Today I have an official poster print in my bedroom. The helpful reminders don’t stare me down oppressively to get my shit together, but they’re there for me when I’m frustrated, irritated or just plain sad. A slow read or two helps me restore balance and keeps me upbeat. Since Holstee became part of my life, I’ve moved to a new city and even more recently figured out a way to spend more time writing, something that absolutely makes me happier. - Kiran Umapathy

I first read the Holstee Manifesto a few years back. It kinda blew me away because it was all the things I knew I should be doing and the reminders I needed, but all in one place. Pretty soon I was printing up miniature-sized copies and posting them outside my neighborhood coffee shop in San Diego because I felt like people had to read it. I used cheap tape and didn’t expect it to stay up for long, but miraculously it stuck to that lamppost for months. Sure, San Diego’s anemic rainfall helps, but I swear it withstood a couple downpours. I also like to believe people did read it and it made them smile, just like me.

Everyone has parts of the Manifesto that they relate to best and here are mine:

This is your life. 

As I’m fond of saying, “It’s entirely up to you how awesome your life is.” Don’t create false barriers for yourself because it’s unlikely someone is working 24/7 to deny your dreams. It’s about not letting other people tell you how to live your life. If you aren’t hurting others, do what makes you happy. Live in nine different countries and learn their languages. Get married and have 3 kids. No one else gets to decide and for good reason - they don’t know what’s best for you. Maybe you don’t always know either, but you definitely have a better grasp.

If you are looking for the love of your life, stop. They will be waiting for you when you start doing the things you love.

This is probably the golden rule of romance, but doing things you love can cure just about any blues and give you purpose. Doing what you love is really just taking care of yourself and when you do that, you’ll attract other happy, healthy people into your life.

Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them.

Having psychic powers is intriguing, but I think one of the best parts about life is not knowing what’s going to happen. It’s exciting to think about all the amazing people out there you’re going to meet and how much fun you’re going to have. Maybe the only lasting thing you’ll create is a friendship, but it could be something way more. A new community or an idea that changes the world.

Today I have an official poster print in my bedroom. The helpful reminders don’t stare me down oppressively to get my shit together, but they’re there for me when I’m frustrated, irritated or just plain sad. A slow read or two helps me restore balance and keeps me upbeat. Since Holstee became part of my life, I’ve moved to a new city and even more recently figured out a way to spend more time writing, something that absolutely makes me happier.

- Kiran Umapathy

Last spring, I travelled Europe alone for 3 weeks in the hopes of finding my direction in life. During my journey, took photographs, blogged, sketched, and - upon my return to Canada - turned it into a book, complete with inspirational quotes. The book is about defining the moments in your life as opposed to letting those moments define you and stepping out of your comfort zone to discover new things about the world around you as well as yourself. - Amanda Weedmark

Last spring, I travelled Europe alone for 3 weeks in the hopes of finding my direction in life. During my journey, took photographs, blogged, sketched, and - upon my return to Canada - turned it into a book, complete with inspirational quotes. The book is about defining the moments in your life as opposed to letting those moments define you and stepping out of your comfort zone to discover new things about the world around you as well as yourself.

- Amanda Weedmark

This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often We each have a life and have to worry about this. We are our own masters, and as such, we must learn to live. This means knowing how to forgive, how to recognize their own mistakes about it and learn from them. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love Life is wonderful and my opinion is that it’s wonderful to share it with someone. There is nothing better than finding true love. Find a person who is on your side for all. That besides being your partner is your friend. Supports you in everything you do. They will try to get a smile most of all. Forgive me, but this is wonderful. The big mistake that some people (including myself) is trying to find love. Love is not looking. Love comes, you find. And as you said the Manifesto, he will be waiting. When you stop looking for it, you will find it. Life is simple  Life is more simple than you think. Simplicity is the best it can be. Do not forget that we are all people equally. Let’s be white, black, tall, short, thin or fat,… we are all people. Life goes beyond having who has more money than another, who triumphs over the other, who has more possessions. Life is the best there is, and sometimes we lose time trying to understand it when it’s as simple as that. So, just live it. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. So go out and start creating Life gives us opportunities every minute, every second … Many people regret things they have not done in some time, but if you did not, it was for something … You should never regret something that once did not want to do. We must aprobechar every opportunity that gives us life, because there are many who will not return. Never repeat the feeling of the first kiss, the first time you fall in love,… If you have a dream, chase. Do not stand idly by because you will not get anything by surprise if you stay at home locked. Sal, make, dare. Realise your dreams. Meet world. Meet new people. Be unique. Do what you want without you influence people’s opinion. It’s your life, not that of others. Therefore, take it to the maximum. - Daniel Millán (@justmillan)

This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often

We each have a life and have to worry about this. We are our own masters, and as such, we must learn to live. This means knowing how to forgive, how to recognize their own mistakes about it and learn from them.

If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love

Life is wonderful and my opinion is that it’s wonderful to share it with someone. There is nothing better than finding true love. Find a person who is on your side for all. That besides being your partner is your friend. Supports you in everything you do. They will try to get a smile most of all. Forgive me, but this is wonderful. The big mistake that some people (including myself) is trying to find love. Love is not looking. Love comes, you find. And as you said the Manifesto, he will be waiting. When you stop looking for it, you will find it.

Life is simple 

Life is more simple than you think. Simplicity is the best it can be. Do not forget that we are all people equally. Let’s be white, black, tall, short, thin or fat,… we are all people. Life goes beyond having who has more money than another, who triumphs over the other, who has more possessions. Life is the best there is, and sometimes we lose time trying to understand it when it’s as simple as that. So, just live it.
Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. So go out and start creating
Life gives us opportunities every minute, every second … Many people regret things they have not done in some time, but if you did not, it was for something … You should never regret something that once did not want to do. We must aprobechar every opportunity that gives us life, because there are many who will not return. Never repeat the feeling of the first kiss, the first time you fall in love,… If you have a dream, chase. Do not stand idly by because you will not get anything by surprise if you stay at home locked. Sal, make, dare. Realise your dreams. Meet world. Meet new people. Be unique. Do what you want without you influence people’s opinion. It’s your life, not that of others. Therefore, take it to the maximum.
- Daniel Millán (@justmillan)
“Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it.” The words of the Manifesto have somehow been able to tap into exactly what I have been struggling with/looking for/striving to find in my life. Since I happened upon the Manifesto via a late-night scroll through Facebook in efforts to avoid making progress on my thesis, my life has been altered. Each person I introduce the Manifesto to, I feel a little strange saying “This poster changed my life,” but then I don’t mind because it really has. The Manifesto has allowed me to view life in a way where everything makes sense; everything is simple.  The Manifesto appeared in my life in the midst of completing several graduate school applications to social work programs, writing and rewriting my thesis on alternative approaches to therapy, searching for past employers and professors who might take time out of their lives to recommend me to these graduate schools, and at the same time, imagining the possibilities if I didn’t pursue graduate school and moved to Europe to become a baker or a street performer instead. Since reading the first lines of the Manifesto, I’ve spent my days and nights trying to discover what it is I love to do, so that I can do it often. This has inevitably led to increasingly more pumpkin spice lattes, involvement in creating a production with my school theatre arts program, impromptu shopping trips with my fifteen-year-old sister who has significantly more money to spend on new trends than I, forcing myself to get out of bed in the morning to do more yoga, and squeezing in time to have dinner with friends throughout the week despite how long a day of work might feel. In my search to find out “what I love to do so I can do it often” and therefore pursue that for the rest of my life, I’ve realized I love the joy of being a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, the beautiful days I continually wake up to, and the ability to share these things with the people around me. Whether I end up getting accepted into graduate school or moving to Switzerland to live my life as a barista, I intend to live each day as it comes and not focus on the unpredictability of the future. I’ll live every moment doing things that I love and making sure to always love what I do, because if I die tomorrow, I want to die knowing I’ve lived each day the best way that I could and filled my life with beautiful moments.Thank you, Manifesto makers, for inspiring my life daily and encouraging me to appreciate every moment I’m alive.

“Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it.”

The words of the Manifesto have somehow been able to tap into exactly what I have been struggling with/looking for/striving to find in my life.

Since I happened upon the Manifesto via a late-night scroll through Facebook in efforts to avoid making progress on my thesis, my life has been altered. Each person I introduce the Manifesto to, I feel a little strange saying “This poster changed my life,” but then I don’t mind because it really has. The Manifesto has allowed me to view life in a way where everything makes sense; everything is simple. 

The Manifesto appeared in my life in the midst of completing several graduate school applications to social work programs, writing and rewriting my thesis on alternative approaches to therapy, searching for past employers and professors who might take time out of their lives to recommend me to these graduate schools, and at the same time, imagining the possibilities if I didn’t pursue graduate school and moved to Europe to become a baker or a street performer instead.

Since reading the first lines of the Manifesto, I’ve spent my days and nights trying to discover what it is I love to do, so that I can do it often. This has inevitably led to increasingly more pumpkin spice lattes, involvement in creating a production with my school theatre arts program, impromptu shopping trips with my fifteen-year-old sister who has significantly more money to spend on new trends than I, forcing myself to get out of bed in the morning to do more yoga, and squeezing in time to have dinner with friends throughout the week despite how long a day of work might feel. In my search to find out “what I love to do so I can do it often” and therefore pursue that for the rest of my life, I’ve realized I love the joy of being a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, the beautiful days I continually wake up to, and the ability to share these things with the people around me.

Whether I end up getting accepted into graduate school or moving to Switzerland to live my life as a barista, I intend to live each day as it comes and not focus on the unpredictability of the future. I’ll live every moment doing things that I love and making sure to always love what I do, because if I die tomorrow, I want to die knowing I’ve lived each day the best way that I could and filled my life with beautiful moments.

Thank you, Manifesto makers, for inspiring my life daily and encouraging me to appreciate every moment I’m alive.

When my parents both died suddenly within 3 months of each other, I threw myself into my work, which I love. Nineteen months later, I was exhausted and needed to stop. On an absolute whim, I applied for a travel job and surprisingly got it! I spent the next 3 years learning about love, life, travel and people. I also met someone who would years later end up being my husband. I miss my folks all the time, my dad particularly. He was a traveler and I know he would be proud of me. But if they were both here, my life would be so different. And I do love my life. I would never have met the amazing people or done the crazy things if I had not got the job. So in a strange way, my parents lead me to this life. Holstee’s principles were mine even before I read the Manifesto. This is your life and on this journey there are no practice runs, so go for it. Never think if you miss a few things you can get it the next time around.  :) - Dawn

When my parents both died suddenly within 3 months of each other, I threw myself into my work, which I love. Nineteen months later, I was exhausted and needed to stop.

On an absolute whim, I applied for a travel job and surprisingly got it! I spent the next 3 years learning about love, life, travel and people. I also met someone who would years later end up being my husband.

I miss my folks all the time, my dad particularly. He was a traveler and I know he would be proud of me. But if they were both here, my life would be so different. And I do love my life. I would never have met the amazing people or done the crazy things if I had not got the job. So in a strange way, my parents lead me to this life.

Holstee’s principles were mine even before I read the Manifesto. This is your life and on this journey there are no practice runs, so go for it. Never think if you miss a few things you can get it the next time around.  :)

- Dawn

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist in Philadelphia. When I first saw the Manifesto, I was struck by how one poster could capture so many important ideas. I bought one to display in the waiting room of my office. Recently, I bought one for my daughter, who is a Special Education middle school teacher. She can’t decide whether to display it in her classroom or in her apartment. I may have to buy another one! - Richard Brewer

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist in Philadelphia. When I first saw the Manifesto, I was struck by how one poster could capture so many important ideas. I bought one to display in the waiting room of my office. Recently, I bought one for my daughter, who is a Special Education middle school teacher. She can’t decide whether to display it in her classroom or in her apartment. I may have to buy another one!

- Richard Brewer

After the perfect dharma of a job, and a knee surgery gone awry … I became lost. Lost as to who I was without that definition of myself by what I do … a quantifier, a boundary, a box. It was only when I surrendered to being lost that I began to find myself, to understand self-compassion & self-recognition. To find your lost places, and glory there - that is Life. - Susie Bertie

After the perfect dharma of a job, and a knee surgery gone awry … I became lost. Lost as to who I was without that definition of myself by what I do … a quantifier, a boundary, a box. It was only when I surrendered to being lost that I began to find myself, to understand self-compassion & self-recognition. To find your lost places, and glory there - that is Life.

- Susie Bertie

I was laid off in the summer of 2011, after nearly a decade working in higher ed.  I had become increasingly frustrated and unhappy in my career and embraced the layoff as the universe’s way of telling me that it was finally time for a change. I went back to school for a second Masters Degree in Information Systems (a far cry from my first degree in counseling). 18 months, 36 credits, countless Code Academy hours and a graduate research assistantship later - I am happily ensconced in both a new job and career path. I’m working on projects I want to be working on, for a company I’m proud to work for, with a group of people I’m learning from every day.   It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say that I do what I love and love what I do.  It feels so good to be able to say that - and mean it - every single day! - Rachel Yudell

I was laid off in the summer of 2011, after nearly a decade working in higher ed.  I had become increasingly frustrated and unhappy in my career and embraced the layoff as the universe’s way of telling me that it was finally time for a change. I went back to school for a second Masters Degree in Information Systems (a far cry from my first degree in counseling). 18 months, 36 credits, countless Code Academy hours and a graduate research assistantship later - I am happily ensconced in both a new job and career path. I’m working on projects I want to be working on, for a company I’m proud to work for, with a group of people I’m learning from every day.  

It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say that I do what I love and love what I do.  It feels so good to be able to say that - and mean it - every single day!

- Rachel Yudell

About 3 months ago I ordered your Manifesto. Now, it is hanging on the wall of my living room here in Zurich, Switzerland. There is no special way or thing in my life but I really do like your Manifesto. I literally like every word of it. Because I feel and think a lot like this words. “Do something with your life and do it good and your way!” Wonderful. Of course even without the Manifesto I was thinking like this, but the Manifesto shows me that there are other people on this planet thinking the same way (or at least a similar one) than I do. This way of thinking brought me to the decision that, starting from now 2013, I’m no more being an employee somewhere but my own boss. Even if I don’t have any projects to do at the moment and therefore no money in sight, I still strongly feel that this was and is the right descision for me. I just feel very good! Which shows me the descision was right and the projects and some money will surely follow.- Andy Koller

About 3 months ago I ordered your Manifesto. Now, it is hanging on the wall of my living room here in Zurich, Switzerland. There is no special way or thing in my life but I really do like your Manifesto. I literally like every word of it. Because I feel and think a lot like this words. “Do something with your life and do it good and your way!” Wonderful.

Of course even without the Manifesto I was thinking like this, but the Manifesto shows me that there are other people on this planet thinking the same way (or at least a similar one) than I do. This way of thinking brought me to the decision that, starting from now 2013, I’m no more being an employee somewhere but my own boss. Even if I don’t have any projects to do at the moment and therefore no money in sight, I still strongly feel that this was and is the right descision for me. I just feel very good! Which shows me the descision was right and the projects and some money will surely follow.

- Andy Koller

My story is similar to others posted here, and that in itself is inspiring - that there are so many people deciding for themselves to make a difference in their own lives.   The lines in the Manifesto that relate most to where I am right now are: “Do What You Love and Do It Often” and “If You Don’t Like Your Job, Quit”.  Well, in my case, after over twenty-five years working in the corporate world, I did quit: with nothing except a commitment to embrace doing what I love, which in my case is writing. Now, I wouldn’t advise anyone without a financial safety net to do this on a whim, especially in today’s economy, so I gave myself a small cushion to get it right, and I’m diving in with both feet.  I just created my own website: www.sallyeastwood.com and it’s live! I’m ready to take on new challenges and enjoy the life I create for myself. Oh, and I will finish my novel. :-) - Sally Eastwood http://www.sallyeastwood.com

My story is similar to others posted here, and that in itself is inspiring - that there are so many people deciding for themselves to make a difference in their own lives.  

The lines in the Manifesto that relate most to where I am right now are: “Do What You Love and Do It Often” and “If You Don’t Like Your Job, Quit”.  Well, in my case, after over twenty-five years working in the corporate world, I did quit: with nothing except a commitment to embrace doing what I love, which in my case is writing.

Now, I wouldn’t advise anyone without a financial safety net to do this on a whim, especially in today’s economy, so I gave myself a small cushion to get it right, and I’m diving in with both feet.  I just created my own website: www.sallyeastwood.com and it’s live! I’m ready to take on new challenges and enjoy the life I create for myself.

Oh, and I will finish my novel. :-)

- Sally Eastwood

http://www.sallyeastwood.com

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We have been consistently amazed and inspired by the community of individuals who have embraced the Holstee Manifesto as their own. This is a celebration of the stories that speak to the truth that life is indeed about the people you meet and the things you create with them.

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