“Your goals will kick you in the shins and steal your lunch money.” -Jon Acuff. You have to fight back, even though some days you lose. Failure is part of the process. Keep going.


19



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


21



NEVER sit while someone near you is working.


14-21



When they’re upset just ask what they need: space, distraction, or talk about it.


12



To quote Harvard professor Adam Grant: “Argue like you’re right and listen like you’re wrong.”


15



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


17



Sometimes I think the best way to take care of them is to teach them to take care of others: Littler kids, sick or disabled, those who’ve been left out.


5-7, 1Infant-12



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



Honestly I think all religions are at least fifty percent bull pucky and none of them come close to reflecting the loving nature of God, which is broader and deeper than our little brains can grasp. So pick your poison. Whatever religion feels like home, like a place that can provide context for you to explore the goodness and beauty at the heart of the universe…that’s the religion for you. And if no religion fits the bill, that’s fine too. Either way, always remember and keep coming back to the knowledge that you are so very loved.


16, 21



Get up early on a Saturday and go downtown. See how fun it is to be up before the rest of the world.


7-9



Poems are great tools to help them to read, recite, practice handwriting, and illustrate.


7



Practice being embarrassed. Tell embarrassing stories. Help them learn how to deal with the sensation.


9



It’s okay if you don’t know how (or don’t want) to move on. Start with something easier…just don’t go back.


16



Stupid is as stupid does - it’s not something you “are” it’s something you do.


4, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21



YouTube Hank Green “Study Hall.” It talks about navigating the mess of college and career choices, like choosing a major (and what a major is!) What interests align with which majors, etc.


12, 15, 16



Be intentional. You don’t get to choose what they remember.


1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10



Career is so important to your life satisfaction. Do what makes you happy. If you’re really at a loss for what you want to do for work, then go where you’re needed.


18, 21



Hold fast to what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)


10, 15, 21



Check out from the library or Amazon: “My First Money Book: A Guide for Parents and Children to Saving, Spending, Sharing, and Investing Your Money” by Reggie Nelson


8



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


17, 19, 21



Re-Read "Girls and Sex: Navigating the New Landscape" by Peggy Orenstein.


13



You don’t have to be friends with people you don’t like. But you can’t decide you don’t like someone unless you get to know them. (Rather than a look or a reputation or a difference, etc.)


10



“Your life unfolds in proportion to your courage.” -Danielle Le Port


15, 18



Plan a few screen-free weekends every year. (Reticket until 16.)


7



Parent the way you want your children to behave. Compassion, patience. Loving.


1, 2, 3, 4



If you’re ever in a situation where you’re worried you might need people to believe you in the future, take contemporaneous notes. Write or record what happened, how you responded. Focus on the facts but don’t ignore your thoughts or feelings, include them in your notes. Date and sign it. Keep it safe.


14, 17, 19, 21



Highly encourage typing/ keyboarding class.


14



Control isn’t safety. Safety is putting in the physical/mental/intellectual/emotional/spiritual work so you’re confident in your ability to address whatever comes your way and thrive, bounce back after getting knocked down.


14, 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