Stay put, don’t wonder if lost when we hike.


2, 3, 5



Music, arts, words or dancing can have a profound effect on the spirit. Let's find something that gives you chills!


11-14



If they’re not doing anything dangerous, illegal or immoral, let them be. Give them space and independence. (Just first define dangerous/ illegal/ immoral. Then remind them that you are here and would love to hear about anything they want to share.)


14



Work the problem backwards. Start with the solution (desired outcome) and count down from there each step. Some steps will be small, some big. But you’ll get there!


13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18



Mackinac Island trip


10



Here’s the thing: some whacky $@!#% is about to go down. The next few years will be interesting, awesome and awful all at once. We will rely on kind and respectful communication, have as much fun as we can, forgive often, learn to let go and trust, and learn to be trustworthy. If necessary we will seek the advice of experts and the counsel of loved ones. Shifts can happen fast, for the better or worse. It seems like the end of the world but it’s not. You’re stronger and braver than you know.


11, 12, 13



Practice these skills: Love yourself Respect yourself Value yourself Enjoy yourself


4, 6, 8, 12, 15, 17, 21



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


18-21



One of my favorite things is the smell of celery and onion being sautéed in butter. It’s the smell I woke up to on so many Thanksgiving mornings as my mom was making the stuffing.


21



“If you can’t figure something out, figure out how to figure it out.” - Paul Graham


18



Avoid the tendency to obsess over someone. It’s not romantic, it’s self-destructive. You’re worth more than that.


13, 15, 17, 19, 21



Share a few of our most embarrassing moments. Teach them it’s okay to laugh at yourself and even when you’re mortified in the moment being embarrassed isn’t fatal. (And it happens to everyone.)


11



Go out of your way to part on good terms whenever possible, in all circumstances.


18



Teach him what to do and how to act if he gets pulled over.


16



Learn how to sail together


12-15



Institute a “leave by” time instead of a curfew. That way they won’t panic / speed if something out of their control happens to make them late. “Leave Riley’s house by 10pm.”


13



Read Harry Potter series to him / with him.


9-10



Always hold the door open for the next person.


4-14



1

If you have to pretend to be someone else to get or keep a relationship or job, etc. then that relationship/job is not for you!


15, 17, 21



Two words: Kinetic Sand.


3



Writing is thinking.


14, 17. 21



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



My favorite actor was Robin Williams.


19



Before speaking (or texting) ask yourself three questions: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? If not all three, don’t speak. (PS “kind” isn’t the same as good news. You can deliver bad news with kindness.)


11, 14, 20



Check out Harmonia School on Mill St Music Art Theatre


6



Open a Bank Account


8-12



None of us sit high enough to look down on anybody.


11, 14, 17, 21



Your body and brain are always trying to protect you.


17



Live a life of dignity and joy.


14, 21



Don’t let some dumb-sh*t’s overconfidence get you killed.


11, 14, 17, 19, 21