The Absurd Manifesto

Here's to those who will be unusual today.

I envy E.B. White’s confidence:

“I must decline, for secret reasons.” The audacity makes me laugh.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve struggled with certainty. It’s been tough to know when to say “yes” or “no” or “I must decline, for secret reasons.” What I’m sharing with you today started in the Notes app on my phone, like, 3 years ago. I presented a rough version of it onstage a few times. (Not seen in this clip, but at events like this)

It was an attempt to put into words things I could always say “YES” to. It turned into a messy little manifesto. And I share it with you today:

Enough. Enough already.

Enough with business as usual. It is time for the unusual.

It’s time we muster all the creativity, compassion, corndogs –whatever we’ve got– and turn what could be into what should be and what will be.

Absurd times call for absurd amounts of love. And these? These are absurd times. We are spinning on a rock at a little over 1,000 miles per hour. Our hearts will beat around 115,000 times today. Nearly 360,000 babies will be born today. And we sit here as if it is normal.

No longer.

We will be the noticers. The familiar will not fatigue us. We will be witnesses of wonders. Stargazers. Returners of shopping carts. Senders of surprise ice cream. People who answer calls from telemarketers and ask them about their relationships.

We will be the welcomers. In a world of closed doors, we seek to become front porches. Yes, even for that guy. And her. Yes–even you. Easy? Nope. Absurd? You bet. Absurd love doesn’t always make sense, though. Absurd love makes a difference.

We will create bonfires of belonging. Places where warmth is felt and stories are shared. There will be absurd courage and wisdom, hope and humility. Oh … and s’mores. There will be lots of s’mores! And we’ll get it all over ourselves! Why? Because we’re over ourselves. There’s no time to act otherwise.

The time to be absurd is now. Not later. Not maybe. We get about 168 hours in a week. 112 if you subtract sleep. And most people are almost people.

Almost made the jump. Almost wrote that book. Almost called the girl. Almost did the thing.

How absurd to be alive and not really live.

So, let’s joyfully rebel against the unlived life. Let’s sing unsung songs and share untold stories. Let’s dance down a new path - a path of infinite possibilities. It’s paved with love. An aburd amount of love. I’ll meet you there.

Banana.

It’s a work in progress. With your help, I’m certain we’re going to create so many bonfires of belonging. You all give me so much hope. I’m glad you’re here.

If you’ve been encouraged or found this note helpful, please share.