Your brain seeks novelty. Try new things as long as you live. Take risks (but not safety risks!)


20



For a bad cut / gash, use a rolled up washcloth or hand towel to apply pressure until you can get to an ER. If you have to drive yourself or need your hands free, secure the towel in place with duct tape.


18



Soothe a newborn: Swaddle , shushing noise, swing, side/stomach position, suck on a binkie. Read The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp (or watch the video.) It' a life-saver.


Infant



Not all babies are born healthy. There’s grief over that, a painful letting go of hopes and expectations, but eventually parents begin to dream different dreams for their baby. You have it within you to love deeply


21



Be teachable. If you walk around thinking you know it all, your career and relationships will suffer. Consider how much you have to learn and welcome any opportunity to learn. “Teach me” instead of “I don’t know.”


16



Soap and water go a long way towards fixing many problems.


12, 19



You don’t have to choose to be single forever to enjoy being single for now.


17, 21



Sometimes progress is slow - Keep working. Sometimes change is swift - hang on!


16



“You don’t get what you deserve. You get what you negotiate.” - name escapes me


15, 19, 21



You don’t have to lower your standards, just lower your walls.


12, 15, 21



Spread kindness like confetti.


12, 21



I love the quote “The call towards authenticity is sacred” by Paula S. Williams I think it means that a few things: Being called. We are called by something higher to grow and stretch, to evolve. That evolution is a journey that should be undertaken with humility, compassion and love. To impede one’s quest to be authentic, be it our own or another’s, is a grave injustice and should be avoided at all cost.


13, 15, 21



Today is not the day to lose your sh*t. Deep breaths, cold water, do your hair. You’re gonna be just fine.


1-21



Don’t Just “go along for the ride” in your relationships. Be clear about your intentions and act accordingly. It’s part of being a man. A GOOD man. Sometimes you just need to have a talk and make sure you’re both on the same page. It won’t $@!#% you!


16, 21



Visit Aunt Janet in Morehead City for Seafood Festival in October


2-99



My favorite version of myself is when I’m not worried about what others think of me. I


11, 13, 15, 17, 21



Never do two illegal things at the same time. Don’t break the law while breaking the law.


16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21



You're about to come into a ton of energy and strength. It will seem like a lot to manage at first, but you'll get used to it and learn to use it constructively. Push your limits (within reason.) Challenge yourself.


13



Surprise! You’re not perfect. No one is. Do your best, but don’t expect perfection from yourself or any other human, young or old. Have compassion...We’re all in this together and we need each other to be kind and encouraging.


17, 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



“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



Go to movie Star Wars


12



Listen to Celebrate Calm podcasts for help dealing with defiance.


4, 9, 15



“The more you sweat, the less you bleed.” True in boxing and in life. Put the work in. No shortcuts.


14, 18, 21



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


15, 19, 21



Come and go in peace.


12, 15, 21



Make a Shutterfly book for each year and give it to them on their birthday.


5-18



When they turn 18 they should have a will, a financial power of attorney and a medical PoA.


17,18



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


17, 21



It’s your civic duty to vote (including midterms!) Be an informed voter.


16, 18