Fire drills. Practice what to do, where to go if the house is on fire. Have an escape plan.


5-10



Practice “doing without” (or “going without.”). Even young kids can learn the concept. Nobody get everything they want. Sometimes it’s harder than others, but it’s not the end of the world when we have to do without something we want.


4-11



Tragedy may occur in your life, but it does not need to define your life. YOU get to do that...through the choices you make. _______I know you’ll make good ones. xo


19



Whatever your first knee-jerk reaction is, it’s not always the right one. Sleep on it.


14, 17, 21



Attend a school board meeting or some sort of government meeting. Attend / participate.


13



Watch the documentary Kelce (2023)


12



Theme this year: Self Control (Repeat every year until age 99)


6



Read BIOGRAPHIES. So many interesting stories and valuable lessons. Historical figures, those close to them (those are often the real treats!) Also people from all walks of life, different industries. Artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, statesmen, etc. Bonus points for listening to the audiobook if subject narrates it.


20



Let go of things that aren’t good for you. Anger, fear, prejudice, obsession, grudges, snark, etc.


16, 21



The person you have the most electric connection to may not be the ideal choice for a life partner.


15, 19, 21



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


9-13



1

"Love is nothing more and nothing less than relentlessly showing up for your people." - Glennon Doyle


18-21



There is nothing “basic” about basic human dignity. Never treat a person as though they are put on this earth for your amusement. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity because we’re all human beings. No matter their age, looks, status, even past wrongdoing, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.


14



“Whenever you think that some situation or some person is ruining your life, it’s actually you who are ruining your life. It’s such a simple idea. Feeling like a victim is a perfectly disastrous way to make go through life.” — Charlie Munger


13, 15, 19, 21



“When you are not fed love off a silver spoon you will learn to lick it off of knives.” Lauren Eden (poet)


0, 20



Watch film “Radio” (2003) and talk about being brave. Teach them that doing what’s right takes courage.


8



“It takes about 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” - Warren Buffett


12, 14, 16, 19, 21



I stopped worrying about you by the time you were seven. (I’m not talking about your safety and health, that I’ll always worry about!) But I knew you were a joyful, generous, kind, smart and well-mannered person. You were a great friend, supportive and fun. You would be a good partner, and would contribute so much good to society. I could see you had a curious mind, an active imagination and more than a healthy dose of courage.


15, 21



Read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book on creativity. Re-read every few years!


17



Teach them about Oliver Cromwell’s rule: “I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible that you may be mistaken.” Leave room for your mind to be changed by new evidence or perspective.


14



Two big things. Control yourself, not others. Learn to react less.


12, 16, 19, 21



People may have all kinds of different motives for doing what they do, saying what they say. To “give someone the benefit of the doubt” means that you consider what the best possible reason they may have for doing what they did and assume that was the motive. If someone has earned your trust, even if it’s that they’ve done nothing to break your trust, give them the benefit of the doubt.


11-15



Just because someone is an a-hole it doesn’t mean they’re wrong.


17, 21



Plan trip to Bush Gardens late September


5



At the hospital? Always confirm your name and date of birth and why you’re there.


16



Begin colon cancer screening at 40. We have a family history on both sides.


21



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


15, 21



Paying extra for organic isn’t always worth it but I ALWAYS buy organic apples. They taste better and don’t have the pesticides, etc.


18



Men worry about getting laughed at or rejected by a woman. Women worry about getting killed when they reject a man. Let that sink in.


15, 21



When disciplining remember: First acknowledge the emotion, then address the behavior.


2-4, 13, 15