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


17



If you’re unable to help someone, help someone else. Throw some goodness or beauty in the bucket of humanity.


16



Little trick for acne treatment: dandruff shampoo. Wash your face with Head and Shoulders and watch your skin clear up.


13-17



You were THREE years old when you caught sight of a half-dressed beautiful woman. You didn’t have much of a vocabulary yet but when your eyes got wide and you said “BAM BAM” I knew exactly what you meant. (Woman was Jessica Biel in an Adam Sandler movie.)


14, 21



“Enthusiasm is the answer to everything.” - Rodrigo’s father


15, 21



My theory is that it’s pointless to chase love. You’ll never catch it. Focus on DOING what you love. When you’re being who you’re meant to be, you’ll find the one you’re meant to love. That way, love chases YOU! And love always wins. ❤️


16



Biographies: Be inspired.


12



Bedtime often goes to sh*t in a hurry because kids are tired and parents are out of patience. Be kind. If your kids are anything like you, they’ll need extra tenderness at bedtime: cuddles, soft words, prayers. Forgiveness for the ridiculous tantrums over silly stuff. Take pity on them, their little bodies are tired and they haven’t learned how to function on empty.


1-4



A Morning Offering by _____ (Excerpt) ...May my mind come alive today To the invisible geography That invites me to new frontiers, To break the dead shell of yesterdays, To risk being disturbed and changed. May I have the courage today To live the life that I would love, To postpone my dream no longer But do at last what I came here for And waste my heart on fear no more.“


19



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


16



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


14,16, 18, 21



Marry for character, not just chemistry.


17, 21



Don’t waste your time with anyone who doesn’t love you for exactly who you are. Move on, because there is someone out there who will!


17



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


14-21



Consensual sex requires no persuasion, convincing or begging.


14, 17



Model being a considerate person.


2-18



Consider the source. When you get information, look at where or who it’s coming from. Do you trust them? Are they an expert? When someone criticizes you. Do they know why they’re talking about and are they taking chances themselves. Pay no attention to hecklers.


15



Don’t have a clue? (Relationships / career / character, etc.) The solutions can be found in books. READ! Novels, biographies, history, religion, humor, politics, finance, sports, and whatever sparks your interests at the moment!) You’ll learn about the world, and you’ll learn about yourself. READ!!!! (or listen!)


12, 15, 18, 20



Build something beautiful.


13, 21



No bragging. Don’t toot your own horn.


11, 15, 21



Watch Abby Wambach's 2018 Barnard commencement address together.


16



Staying calm is 90% of the battle. Practice.


13, 15, 18, 21



Sex: There's no single way to do it "right" but there are lots of ways to do it wrong. Not being respectful and tender towards your partner is usually at the root of "wrong" ways to do it. Also, there is no rush. You may think all your friends are "doing it." They're not. Take your time.


16



Philippians 4: 11-13


12



Do the work. No short-cuts.


14



A mommy-friend of mine gave me some good advice: "Count the wins." So what if you didn't clean the house, you showered! So what if she's wearing 9 different colors - she dressed herself! Great advice. So remember, especially on the difficult days - and there will be many: Count the wins.


1



Dating advice: If they like you, you’re gonna know. If they don’t, you’re gonna be confused.”


16, 21



Life doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful.


20



Anyone who asks you to violate your values doesn’t deserve your allegiance.


16, 21



Be a safe place. Teach them to be a safe place too.


12