Consent is more than the literal


13, 14, 15, 16, 21



Explore the magic of Deer Valley YMCA Camp


07-13



Not knowing what you’re doing is a lot less terrifying than not knowing who to trust.


14, 19, 21



Forget perfection. Nothing is perfect. No relationship, job, house, or day is perfect. Let go of expectations, be open to the mess.


18



Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength.


13, 21



Read “Lighter” by Yung Pueblo. Read it every year.


17, 19, 21



“Pirate Rules” is a temporary suspension of the usual rules. It means pretty much anything goes for this moment so we can all stay sane. ——-Loosen the rules on snacks, bedtime, screen time, etc. in special circumstances.


1-5



Learn how to quiet your demons / that voice that tells you you’re not good enough. Great resource is Dan Harris’ 2022 TED talk.


14, 19, 21



I would rather deal with a big truth than a little lie. Whatever it is you’re going through we can solve it together but only if we’re both honest.


14



“Just because you think it doesn’t mean it’s true. Your brain’s a little b*^tch and likes to lie to you.” -Elyse Myers


13, 21



Check your ego. Often.


17, 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



Be mindful of privilege. Discuss the concept, point it out where you see it.


11-18



1

Check out School of Rock (Vienna) or Bach to Rock.


9



Ask your emotions “why” three times.


14, 16, 21



Let’s find an activity where you can work with your hands


11



Life is hard. But it's not so hard you can't figure it out. You're going to be fine. xoxo


11-21



Never post a pic to social media that you wouldn't want Grandma to see. NEVER send or ask to receive naked pictures. It's tacky, gross, illegal and not worth it. Even if "everyone does it". It's rude and disrespectful.


11-13, 18



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


14-18



“You will encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” -Maya Angelou


17



Never give unsolicited advice. Instead ask “How can I best support you?”


14, 20



Sex isn’t something you “score.” It’s not a competition. Whether the encounter is casual or within a committed relationship it’s something that is shared.


16, 19, 20



Be supportive of someone who is trying to better themselves.


16



Re-Read Tim Russert's Big Russ and Me.


14



Mom’s scrambled eggs: Use fresh eggs. Scramble vigorously. Don’t add water or milk, just cook in copious amount of butter. Add salt and pepper.


12



Set up a dog agility course in the backyard. Use household items or toys, etc and lots of dog treats for training.


8



Follow your dreams…not your boyfriend’s.


16



People have big feelings when they realize how unjust and unfair the world can be. Totally natural and healthy. The problem starts when they channel those feelings into destructive actions and beliefs: violence, war, crime and hatred. We will be so much better off if we can learn to deal with our collective and individual pain in a way that is therapeutic and constructive. Maybe we can help each other to be creative in the face of fear, grief, pain, anxiety, anger, betrayal, injustice.


14, 16, 19, 21



Great career advice from tv producer Tara Schuster: Be the best at the worst job. You’re a lowly intern, you’re not gonna get asked to sit down with the boss and strategize. But say the boss likes coffee, and the office coffee machine is unreliable. Fix the machine. Keep it in tip-top condition. Make a contribution to the company in small ways, consistent with your level of ability (which at this age is low low low. NO ONE likes a 20-something who thinks he/ she knows it all. Or knows anything really.) Listen, learn, anticipate needs and surpass expectations doing the little things. Be polite, kind, ethical. Be on time (early.) Yes, compete but also help others look good and succeed. NEVER never trash-talk a colleague, client, boss or subordinate. Don’t suck-up either. Mostly just listen, work, make yourself useful wherever you can. And have fun. You’re gonna do great, bunny.


18, 20



Read The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig.


4