Jon Stewart talking about Bruce Springsteen at Kennedy Center Honors: “I didn’t understand his music for a long time. I didn’t understand it until I learned what it is to yearn.” That’s why art hits you differently at different ages. You filter the art through the lens of your life experience.


15, 21



Build something beautiful.


13, 21



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



Be thankful for opportunities to be of service. It means God is trusting you to help.


8-14



Read If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin. Young adult coming of age story.


14, 17



Turn off main water line when you leave on vacation.


21



At the start of a day / project / interview / date / etc. Do this one simple thing: State your intention. How do you want to carry yourself? What is the goal for the outcome? Just take a moment to imagine how you want to behave, react, appear, etc. What impression do you want to leave with the people you interact with? Of those things that are in your control, what outcome would make you proud?


15, 20



Time is of the essence


16



Plan a neighborhood "Winter Olympics" for snow days. Create indoor and outdoor events.


8



Compassion: Acting with love when faced with another’s suffering.


16



You can love someone and still not tolerate their abuse. Protect your peace and safety.


17, 21



ADHD hack for studying or projects- Leave yourself notes about where you left off.


13, 21



Highly recommend book about math and multiplication techniques:“The Best of Times” by Greg Tang.


10



When it comes to judging your behavior at school/ sports/ work, ask: Was I fair? Was I kind? Did I put in the work? If the answers are all “Yes,” then rest well. If an answer is “No,” then fix it.


16



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



Live a life of dignity and joy.


14, 21



Something to remember on those days when the kids are making you nuts and you’re at the end of your parenting rope: “They love you no matter what. They always want to be close to you. Even when you’re screwing up, they still think you’re amazing. They want to be just like you when they grow up. You are their hero. You may be their mom, but they’re constantly reminding you of your worth.”


2



Watch “The Sandlot” together. Great story about friendship and showing up for each other.


8



Take out your aggression on inanimate things, never on people or animals.


9



Begin planning trip for 10th bday. Maybe to Atlantis in Bahamas or someplace he’d be excited about._____Get him involved in planning and saving.


8



Sometimes our bodies can betray us. Something goes wrong and healthy cells are replaced with broken cells: Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, auto-immune diseases, etc. Mental health can become diseased too: Depression, anxiety, compulsive behavior, suicidal thoughts. The very good news is that good medical care is available for all of these things. That, along with the love and support of family and friends helps our bodies to heal. Physical illness is obvious. Sometimes people keep their mental pain a secret. Please promise me you’ll never keep any pain you’re going through a secret.


13



Be willing to say “I don’t know” if you don’t know! Don’t just make stuff up.


15, 20



Make “good trouble” as Rep. John Lewis said. Justice is won, not given.


14, 19



If you witness a moment of vulnerability in someone, keep it to yourself. Be respectful of people's dignity.


14-18



I get it. It’s exhausting when they’re little. But you will never be so needed or so loved as you are during these years.


2, 3, 4



Theme: Dignity


11



There is so much available to you. This is good and bad. I hope you choose knowledge, beauty, laughter, etc. Guard against getting caught in a loop of destructive $@!#%: hate, drugs, gambling, porn, etc. The world is full of beauty and it’s full of gross sh*t. I hope you choose a life that seeks out beauty.


16



Don’t ask for anything until you’ve done what has been asked of you.


5



We’re born full of love. Life is about choosing where you want to put it. -xo


15, 19, 21