“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” - Maya Angelou


12, 15, 21



Jon Stewart talking about Bruce Springsteen at Kennedy Center Honors: “I didn’t understand his music for a long time. I didn’t understand it until I learned what it is to yearn.” That’s why art hits you differently at different ages. You filter the art through the lens of your life experience.


15, 21



Before you quit your job - or leave your spouse, etc. consider that you may be suffering from anxiety or depression. We sometimes attribute outside things (or people) as the cause of feeling desperate for change. But sometimes it’s just that our brains are fogged with anxiety or depression. Help is life- changing.


21



The most attractive man in the world is one who brings peace.


21



Don't say anything out loud that you wouldn't want repeated or overheard. Don't email / text, etc. anything that you wouldn't want forwarded.


11-15



Check out the Wolf Trap Children's summer theater.


4-11



There is so much darkness in the world - keep pushing back against it every way you can. Be a force for good.


14, 16, 21



“Never let anyone tell you who you are. SHOW them who you are.” - Kamala Harris


12, 13, 17, 21



When they’re upset just ask what they need: space, distraction, or talk about it.


12



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


12-15, 21



Practice not putting stuff off. If it takes 10 seconds or less do it now. Then move up to 30 seconds or less. Keep going up to ~3 minutes. Good example is putting away laundry or emptying dishwasher, etc.


15



When someone hurts us or REALLY pisses us off... We have to pray for them. It’s hard to stay mad at someone you’re praying for.


8-18



Hold yourself to account when you screw up but give yourself some grace. Instead of “I’m such a terrible person” ask yourself “”How can I make up for this? What can I learn from this? How can I do better next time?”


10, 12, 15, 19



This! Your energy is beautiful and precious. Don’t waste it on people who are $@!#% bent on negativity. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRxcJWem/


16



Read “Raising a Screen Smart Kid” by Julianna Miner before you consider giving him a phone.


10



“The only way out is to love yourself. That’s it. That’s all.” - Valerie Bertinelli


10, 13, 17, 21



It's a skill to learn how to love people the way they need to be loved. I highly recommend reading the Five Love Languages.


18, 21



It’s okay to not understand things. Just be sure the only place your ignorance leads you is to education.


15, 19



Throw leftovers and some cut up veggies in an omelette/ frittata. Cuts down on food waste and saves money.


17



In social situations it's better to talk too little than too much. Don't over-share with people you're not close to.


15



“I don’t know what I think until I write about it.” - Joan Didion


15



What do you think about the word “refugee?” Let’s talk about what it means. Personally, I don’t understand all the complexities of immigration policy, but I figure anyone who escapes violence and walks hundreds of miles with kids in tow, trying to get to safety and gain an opportunity for a better life for their family can live next-door to me anytime.


13



Focus on being interesting (and genuinely interested) rather than focusing on being popular.


11, 13, 17, 21



You can’t ask someone to change who they are before you live or accept them.


12, 15, 21



Plan trip to Outside Lands music festival at Golden Gate Park


17



Ask your emotions “why” three times.


14, 16, 21



Open a Bank Account


8-12



Make a pound of ground beef go further by adding chopped cabbage or mushrooms.


19



Read article about Digital Learning/ transitioning to doing homework on a computer. http://community.today.com/parentingteam/post/it-doesnt-have-to-stay-on-the-screen


10



Healing happens when you give up the hope that the past could have been any different. xoxo


20