Don’t let someone have to tell you twice that they don’t want you. Nothing good comes from hanging on after that.


15, 21



Things are rarely black and white. Most situations (and all people) are complex. A nuanced approach is necessary to understand them. You can’t learn - or love, if you’re judging.


17



“It takes about 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” - Warren Buffett


12, 14, 16, 19, 21



Read Big Magic by Liz Gilbert. Re-read every 5-10 years.


19, 21



Highly encourage typing/ keyboarding class.


14



Read “Attack of the Black Rectangles” by Amy Sarid King.


12



“When you are not fed love off a silver spoon you will learn to lick it off of knives.” Lauren Eden (poet)


0, 20



Sesame Street has great resources on teaching finances to little ones.


4-5



A simple trick to calm your nerves: Name 5 things you can hear right now.


5-15



1

Check out O.School Originals for sex-ed resources.


14



Read (or listen to) A Fragile Stone together.


15



Check out First Stage and Wolftrap performances


15



Drunken shenanigans are part of life when you’re in college, etc. but it gets old fast. That kind of behavior as an adult is just sad. Drink responsibly. Don’t make an $@!#% out of yourself. I recommend this rule: Don’t have more than one drink at a work function.


21



Anything can be an opportunity for you to grow if you approach it with the right mindset. “What can I learn” “How can I turn this into a way to advance my goals?” I know, it’s kinda corny but it’s true. Your attitude is everything.


8, 10, 14, 18, 21



Become habitual about doing that which makes you feel good and yourself and fulfilled. If it’s running, make running a habit and dedicate time for it.


16, 21



Paradoxical Commandments by Kent Keith.


19



Netflix “Who Was?” A biography show for kids.


6-8



When making decisions remember HALT: are you hungry, angry, lonely or tired? (Or ecstatic) Give yourself time to be in a good place. Ask yourself if you’re choosing something because it’s going to bring you closer to being as authentically yourself or are you trying to meet someone else’s expectations? This is not to say you won’t need to compromise and put others first (spouse/ family.) That happens a lot in marriage. No, I mean ask yourself if you’re trying to prove something or are you being true to yourself. Hope that helps.


18, 21



Con-men (or women) appear perfect. They are good-looking, kind, flattering, etc. Most people are good. But be careful of those who seem to be too good.


15



Poems are great tools to help them to read, recite, practice handwriting, and illustrate.


7



Some people have more money than sense. Just because u can afford something doesn’t mean you should buy it.


15



Walk up the Washington monument. No elevator!


11



Sponsor a child in a developing country. Write letters, learn about their country and their life.


8



Teach how to carve a turkey.


15



Sometimes progress is slow - Keep working. Sometimes change is swift - hang on!


16



The $@!#% never ends. Dealing with the $@!#% IS your job. If you think you’ll ever reach a “post-$@!#%” stage in your life, you’re wrong.


14, 19



Sometimes it just takes a while to catch on. I had to watch Game of thrones 3 or 4 times before I could keep track of all the characters and subplots. Record your lectures so you can replay them a few times.


13,15,19



Always know where the main water shut-off is in your house.


18



Get book “Talk to Me First: Everything You Need to Know to Become Your Kids'Go-To Person about Sex.” by Deborah Roffman.


7



Our nervous systems are just trying to keep us safe. If you were thrown into fight/flight/fawn today, give yourself some grace.


14, 21