David Brooks of The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life, is a No 1 International bestselling columnist for the New York Times. I am sure he needs no introduction to many of you, but I am discovering such amazing writers as Brooks as I am now paying attention to those whose wisdom guides… Read More

The statistics are sobering: in many Australian cities, nearly one in two people say they wouldn’t recognise their neighbours if they passed them in the street. In a world that is more connected than ever — and yet more individualised — it’s a quiet loss we don’t often talk about. And yet, when we do… Read More

“The trick to forgetting the big picture is to look at everything close up.” Chuck Palahniuk. “Focus on the moment, not the monsters that may or may not be ahead.” Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle is the Way. “When we move through the world aware of what is here and now, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, the… Read More

Have you ever noticed how quickly your mind makes a judgment — about yourself, about someone else, about what something must mean? That voice is fast. And often, it’s harsh. This is your brain’s negativity bias at work — a survival instinct designed to spot threats and protect you. It was helpful when we were… Read More

I’ve always had a deep love of learning — and while that shows up in many ways, reading is one of my favourite forms. I do wish I could say I’ve read all the books on my shelves… but the truth is, my appetite for learning often outpaces the time and energy I have to… Read More

Whatever your personal political preference or affiliation, I am sure you would have noticed – or be saddened by the need for – this particular reference to kindness by Anthony Albanese in a recent debate preceding the election. It struck me. It brought to my mind another statement of Christ’s teaching – ‘and the meek… Read More

At My Manifesto, we talk a lot about living with clarity and intention. But clarity doesn’t mean everything is simple or easy. In fact, one of the most powerful insights we’ve discovered – personally and through our work with others – is this: Wellbeing isn’t about eliminating tension. It’s about learning to live well within… Read More

I confess that I was an ardent adherent of Jane Fonda in the days of her workout tapes – so much so that my first-born son reckons they were the soundtrack of his childhood! All silliness aside, she was one of the strong women in my young womanhood, who stood for something, and ‘Hanoi Jane’… Read More

At My Manifesto, we’ve long believed in the quiet power of reflection, self-honesty, and personal alignment. That’s why we love The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Warner Klemp — a transformative guide for those ready to lead and live more consciously. Central to the book is the concept… Read More