Create your Voyage Manifesto

When my husband and I seriously began to explore the option of living on a yacht, one of the biggest questions we needed to answer was surprisingly not logistical - it was existential:

‍Why are we doing this?

The question lingered, pressing us to look beyond the excitement of adventure and freedom to understand what we were really seeking.

What am I really looking for?

What do I hope this lifestyle will bring into my life that I don’t already have?

Being the dramatic type of gal I am, I created a Voyage Manifesto. This was to be an intentional declaration of purpose - a written reminder of my “why” behind this big life change.

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Why Write it Down?

Words on paper have a power far greater than thoughts floating in our heads.

Writing creates clarity and commitment, transforming abstract ideas into something tangible. It’s like charting a course on a map. Your destination becomes clearer, and the path to get there more purposeful.

Neuroscience even supports this, showing that the act of writing helps solidify intentions, making them easier to focus on and achieve.

A manifesto, by nature, is both a promise and a philosophy. It serves as a compass, pointing you back in the right direction when doubt, difficulty, or distraction arise. It’s not just about what you want to do but who you want to be.

And in a phase as unpredictable and challenging as beginning life on the water, having this paragraph on hand can feel like your emotional lifeline.

Here’s how to craft a Voyage Manifesto that feels uniquely yours.

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Things to Consider:

1. Your "Why":
   • Why are you choosing to live aboard a boat?
   • What do you hope to gain or experience through this lifestyle?
2. Core Values:
   • What principles will guide your decisions (e.g., adventure, simplicity, sustainability, connection)?
3. Vision for the Journey:
   • What do you want your life on the water to look like?
   • Where do you hope to go, both physically (destinations) and personally (growth goals)?
4. Intentions for Challenges:
   • How will you approach inevitable obstacles or moments of doubt?
5. Inspirational Elements:
   • Include quotes, mantras, or reminders that inspire you to stay committed to your vision.

Here are some examples based on common sailing archetypes:

1. The Explorer

For those seeking adventure and discovery.
"I’m choosing this life to explore the unseen corners of the world, both within and beyond. The open sea is my map, and curiosity is my guide. I vow to embrace each day as an adventure, welcome uncertainty as an opportunity for growth, and chart a course that celebrates the beauty of exploration."

2. The Minimalist

For those seeking simplicity and intentional living.
"This journey is my commitment to simplicity and freedom. Living aboard will teach me to value experiences over possessions, connection over convenience, and nature over excess. I’ll honor the beauty of less, create a life with intention, and carry only what truly matters—both on my boat and in my heart."

3. The Dreamer

For those making a bold leap toward a lifelong aspiration.
"I’ve dreamt of this life for as long as I can remember. Now, I’m making it real. This journey is about chasing what sets my soul on fire, writing my own story, and proving to myself that I can live boldly. I’ll meet the challenges with grace, savor the victories with gratitude, and remind myself that every step is part of the adventure I’ve always wanted."

4. The Steward

For those motivated by sustainability and a deeper connection with the planet.
"Living on the water is my way of honoring and protecting our planet. I will tread lightly, harness the elements, and learn to coexist with nature’s rhythms. This lifestyle is my pledge to live more consciously and inspire others to embrace sustainability in their own way."

5. The Connector

For those inspired by community and shared experiences.
"My journey is about connection—connection with the sea, with others, and with myself. I’ll welcome every port as an opportunity to meet kindred spirits, share stories, and build a global community. Onboard, I’ll nurture relationships and create a space where collaboration and compassion thrive."

6. The Seeker

For those on a spiritual or introspective journey.
"This voyage is my path to self-discovery. The water will be my mirror, reflecting the truths I need to see. I’ll embrace stillness, navigate discomfort, and trust the journey to guide me toward peace, purpose, and a deeper understanding of who I am."

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Create your own Manifesto:

"I am setting sail to [verb, e.g., ‘explore,’ ‘reconnect with,’ or ‘discover’] [something meaningful, e.g., ‘freedom,’ ‘myself,’ or ‘new horizons’].

This journey is about [value or goal, e.g., ‘embracing simplicity,’ ‘connecting with others,’ or ‘living courageously’] and leaving behind [what you’re moving away from, e.g., ‘a life of routine’ or ‘fear of the unknown’]. 

My [noun, e.g., ‘boat’ or ‘voyage’] is my [symbolic metaphor, e.g., ‘sanctuary,’ ‘teacher,’ or ‘compass’], guiding me to [personal dream, e.g., ‘inner peace,’ ‘global exploration,’ or ‘a meaningful life’].

Along the way, I will learn to [skill or value, e.g., ‘trust myself,’ ‘navigate uncertainty,’ or ‘embrace discomfort’] and [verb, e.g., ‘grow,’ ‘connect,’ or ‘create’] through [challenge or emotion, e.g., ‘moments of doubt,’ ‘new friendships,’ or ‘unexpected storms’]. 

I vow to [personal commitment, e.g., ‘live with intention,’ ‘protect the planet,’ or ‘stay open to discovery’] and honor [value, e.g., ‘freedom,’ ‘courage,’ or ‘connection’] as I [verb, e.g., ‘sail toward,’ ‘create,’ or ‘live’] [personal aspiration, e.g., ‘a brighter future,’ ‘my deepest values,’ or ‘a life of adventure’]."

Share your manifesto with us and we’ll post it here!

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