Your body and brain are always trying to protect you.


17



Let's find little ways to practice self-control and build that muscle.


11



1

Life is like the ocean: Filled with energy, beauty, scary schit, lots of interesting creatures and so much to be in awe of. We couldn’t possibly control it but we can be a part of it.


16



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


9



Typically, brains aren’t mature until about age 25. ADHD brains take longer


17, 21



Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a Negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you, but have a drink with them anyways. Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride." - Anthony Bourdain


18, 21



Grandpa was a Marine, though you’d never know it. Slight in build and oh-so gentle natured. But underneath he had a good bit of grit. He never complained. He once told me “You can stand any amount of pain for a little while.” (Basically saying suck it up and hang in there until help arrives.) I’ve never forgotten it.


18



A simple trick to calm your nerves: Name 5 things you can hear right now.


5-15



1

Always wear an undershirt underneath a dress shirt.


13



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


14-18



Trying to avoid the real work makes the task 100 times harder. Do the work.


9, 15, 21



Porn: I wish I could keep you away from it entirely but at least I will prepare you. It’s normal to be curious, etc. but like anything else, it can get to be too much and can be very harmful, especially to a very young person. It can disrupt your healthy sexuality, ruin your relationships and even your career (no porn at work!) Also keep in mind it is a business designed to make money, not to be realistic. That's not the way sex looks. Also the women are NOT enjoying themselves. So try to avoid it, but at least keep it to a minimum!


11-14



Read up about the National Parks. Pick one to plan a trip to.


9



Frustrated with school or work? It bothers you because you care or you hurt. That’s human.


14



My mom used to proudly describe herself as an “Irish Catholic Democrat.” I think my dad voted for Reagan once but other than that we’re all pretty liberal.


18



You are not your thoughts. Focus more on your choices / actions.


17



Sometimes big stuff happens. Big good, big bad, big change. It will take some time to adjust. Maybe a month, a season, a semester or maybe a year or longer. Gear up. Psych yourself up for a difficult day/month/year. You can do this. Stay present, don’t get ahead of yourself or get bogged down in what’s done. “What if?” and “if-only’s” are not your friends. Be good to yourself and be good to others. Rest, nourish, create, have fun and keep the faith.


15, 21



The opposite of addiction is connection.


11, 14, 17, 20



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


12-15, 21



Watch YouTube video on how to administer an Epi-pen injection. You have friends with allergies you may need to know how to do this.


11-15



Try using “No doesn’t tell me your needs” when toddler / little kid disobeys. “Were you trying to be funny? Do you need a minute?”


3



You have yet to meet so many parts of yourself. All kinds of different people, places and experiences will draw those parts out of you.


15, 18, 21



Introduction to 70’s Southern Rock. Skynyrd, Allman Bros, etc.


14



The mind replays what the heart wants to heal.


16



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


16, 21



Con-men (or women) appear perfect. They are good-looking, kind, flattering, etc. Most people are good. But be careful of those who seem to be too good.


15



Our nervous systems are just trying to keep us safe. If you were thrown into fight/flight/fawn today, give yourself some grace.


14, 21



I hope you become more of yourself with every passing year. I love you so.


21



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


8



With toddlers (or teens), first acknowledge the emotion. Then deal with the behavior. Validate their feelings. Once everyone is calm, address the behavior and discuss consequences if appropriate.


2, 13, 17