“You have to meet people where they are. Sometimes, you have to leave them there.” -Iyanla Vanzant


21



Read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe together.


8



One of my favorite things is the smell of celery and onion being sautéed in butter. It’s the smell I woke up to on so many Thanksgiving mornings as my mom was making the stuffing.


21



If car breaks down, if at all possible, avoid pulling over on the highway. Get off the highway and pull to safety.


16



Action is the antidote to anxiety.


12, 14, 17, 21



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


18



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


19



Practice having difficult conversations. There’s no way to get around being on the giving or receiving end of unpleasant news such as breakups, firings, news of a loved one’s passing, etc. You need to get good at having hard conversations, or else you’ll end up in jobs and relationships you don’t want to be in.


15, 21



Psalm 37:3 “Do good and trust in the Lord.” That pretty much covers it.


9, 15, 21



Follow your dreams…not your boyfriend’s.


16



Grandpa used to describe injuries and medical procedures as “It’s a nothin.” I think of this every time I have to endure something painful.


14, 18



Be present. Don’t turn every conversation into a lesson. They stay in their rooms so much because they feel safe there. They’re tired and stressed out and managing a lot of change.


13



Some relationships (or jobs) are f*cked, and cannot be unf*cked. Release them and move on.


21



Time is of the essence


16



You don’t have to choose to be single forever to enjoy being single for now.


17, 21



Being well-read is better (and cheaper) than an advanced degree, especially for broader education. Stay curious and read!! Fiction, non-fiction, biographies ...


15, 18, 21



Talk about what’s normal and what’s abnormal reactions to alcohol and drugs. Basically all kinds of feels from euphoria to paranoia to jealousy or infatuation, etc. Getting sick is normal but blacking out is not. *Anything that could interfere with breath or circulation is dangerous.


13, 15, 17



Check out teen life coach Coaching with Will.


13



Keep stuff on hand for guests. Be ready to be a good host / hostess at any moment.


16-21



Always hold the door open for the next person.


4-14



Watch awards shows (Oscars, Grammy's, Tony's, ESPY's, Image Awards and CNN Heroes awards.) Be a part of your times, appreciate others' accomplishments. Be inspired.


8-18



“I need help. But I don’t know what I need help with. Could you ask me a few questions and help me figure it out?” Keep this one in your back pocket.


5, 7, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21



Let your toddler brush your teeth. Goes a long way to them letting you brush theirs and it gives them a sense of autonomy and control.


2,3,4



Stuff will happen and you’ll think “I can’t get through this. I can’t go on.” In the moment it really feels that way. But ...You will survive. You’ll find a way. Never give up on yourself. I never will.


17



1

Worry less about molding them and focus on loving them.


2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21



Conspiracy theories... Where do I begin? They’re pure sh*t. They are fueled by fear and ignorance, usually peddled by people who have an agenda.


12, 16



Visit Aunt Janet in Morehead City for Seafood Festival in October


2-99



When you know better, do better. No one is born a fully actualized human being! We are all in the process of becoming who we wish to be.


16, 21