Surround yourself with people and ideas that inspire you and captivate you. Life is too short for destructive relationships.


13, 18



Keep going. Push yourself. The struggle makes it all the more worth it.


17, 21



People will speak or act in all kinds of unpleasant ways. Stay calm and kind.


14-21



Birds of a feather flock together


14



Share Brene Brown's short video on Empathy vs. Sympathy: Be the bear, not the goat. Fantastic 3 minute video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw&feature=youtu.be


12, 14, 18, 21



Violent thunderstorms can be dangerous. Avoid driving or being out in severe weather: car accidents, downed trees, high winds, lightning, flash floods, etc. are all potentially just don’t take your safety for granted if the weather is severe, stay sheltered unless you absolutely positively have to be out and about.


12-14, 16, 21



I want you to remember that for the first three years of your life I couldn’t take a poop without you on my lap. So there will be no shirking hugs from Mom now that you’re a teenager. xoxo


14



A man is not a financial plan.


17



Better to be a little hungry than too full.


15, 21



Recruit the kids to help with cleaning the house. All hands on deck "round-ups" are fun and efficient: Round up sippy cups, trash, dirty laundry, give-aways, etc. Time them for maximum enthusiasm: "60 second trash round up...Go!" See who can collect the most trash in 60 seconds.


4



Practice being okay with someone misunderstanding you. Not everyone is going to “get” you. That’s okay.


14, 19, 21



Alcoholism and gambling addiction run in our family. Be very, very careful around booze and gambling.


14,16, 18, 21



When someone introduces themselves as transgender, it’s no big deal. Simply say “nice to meet you” or “cool.” Then politely ask “What are your pronouns?” And then you know how they prefer to be addressed.


13



My favorite version of myself is when I’m not worried about what others think of me. I


11, 13, 15, 17, 21



Adopting a “do it right now” mentality has done wonders for my organization


10, 12, 16



Challenge: Memorize and recite The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus.


10



Never take friendships for granted. Show up. Reach out. Be there when they need you. Friends are gifts; tend to those relationships with love.


15, 20



Teach to use nail clippers


7



Someone else’s success doesn’t subtract from yours. Celebrating with them and encouraging them won’t make you the loser and them the winner. We’re all in this together.


12, 15



Assume any email or text you send will be distributed.


12, 15



Sometimes grief looks a lot like anger. Are you upset about something you lost or had to let go of?


15, 21



You don’t owe me a thing. Live your life as you will. I will always love you.


18, 21



Start saving for retirement with your very first paycheck. Put away the MAX, you’ll never miss it. If the company doesn’t offer 401k then we’ll open a Roth IRA.


18



Girls forget a good bit of compliments they receive but they remember every single insult. Speak gently, remind them they’re beautiful. Never qualify it.


12, 14, 17



Robin Williams was one of the best examples of how to be a good human.


15, 19, 21



"Tough times don't last. Tough people do."


11-14



Actions have consequences- so does inaction. Avoiding a problem or decision is not an effective solution.


18



There will be many times in your life you feel powerless. What makes you feel powerful? For me, it's a good run, listening to good music with the volume on high. Prayer reminds me I'm connected to God, who is powerful beyond all measure.


14-17



Do something that feeds your soul every day. Experience or create joy, even if just a small spark of it.


17



You're about to come into a ton of energy and strength. It will seem like a lot to manage at first, but you'll get used to it and learn to use it constructively. Push your limits (within reason.) Challenge yourself.


13