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


12, 15, 21



Venting is crucial but not always appropriate. Make sure you’re in the right place (no chance whatsoever of being overheard), the right time (take care of business first) and that the person you’re unloading on has the mental bandwidth to listen to you vent your emotions. Avoid interrupting if they’re busy, or not in a good headspace. You’ll know this because you asked.


14, 17, 21



What does it mean to grow up? Sacrifice- When you put someone else’s needs before your own. Responsibility- When you can be counted on to do what’s right and also to do what has to be done. Trustworthiness- You keep your word.Sincerity - You are true to yourself and don’t pretend in order to fit in. It’s about choices and actions and deciding what you value and then building a life around those values.


18



Harm springs from excess.


12



“Racism is real, even if you aren’t a racist. White privilege is real, even if you don’t feel it. Police brutality is real, even if the cop you know is kind. Your world isn’t the world. Everything is not about you.” -Mohamed Safa


16, 21



In the wise words of Taylor Swift, you don’t have to forgive or forget in order to move on. You can just…move on.


15, 21



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



Sometimes the job will require you to do menial tasks. Do them enthusiastically because nothing is “beneath you.” If the good Lord can wash people’s feet, you can make coffee at the office. Get over yourself.


16, 21



You’re gonna be misunderstood a lot. Some people just won’t like you. It’s okay. Wish them well and let it go.


10, 13, 16, 21



ALWAYS pee before you sit down to nurse a baby.


Infant-1



The mind replays what the heart wants to heal.


16



Brambly Hedge series by Jill Barklem.


2-5



When making decisions or setting goals etc, approach from the perspective of your truest self. That’s integrity.


14, 18, 21



Look into language school. Now is a good time to start learning Chinese, Spanish or Arabic.


5-8



Make a Shutterfly book for each year and give it to them on their birthday.


5-18



Ask “What are you going to teach ME?” Let him work on something to teach.


11



Don’t stay down too long.


16, 19, 21



Book recommendation: “Star Fish” by Lisa Fipps.


11



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


5-15



If your car is overheating turn on the heat full blast. It draws heat off the engine.


16



Protect women from gross men: First, don’t be gross. Second, resist the urge to go along with the pack when they get gross. Third, and this is going to take courage, tell them to knock that sh*t off. Never make a girl feel uncomfortable to get a laugh. It’s not funny, it’s scary and demeaning and will teach her you can’t be trusted.


10, 14, 17, 21



Caps Game this year.


11



Dream big. Work hard.


18



Kitchen Commandment: She who cooks the dinner shall not clean up from dinner. I don't want to raise any of you to take housework for granted. It's hard. It's unfair and not cool to expect anyone (parent, spouse, roommate, etc. )to wait on you.


7-18



Sometimes the only thing you can do is to show up. Be there.


13, 15, 17, 21



Sweetheart you don’t have room in your life for people who don’t get you. Let your light shine…and f*@k anyone who doesn’t appreciate it.


14, 16, 18, 20



“You can miss a person every day and still be glad that they’re no longer in your life.” — Oprah Winfrey


19



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


12



Happiness comes from giving and helping, not buying and having.


14, 19



Think about building a career. Take low-paying or no-paying jobs that will give you the experience you need to build it. It's not all about the paycheck, especially when you're young and don't have too many bills to pay.


19-21