“ A vocation is where our anger and our joy meet.” -Sarah Bessey


16



Always keep a can of WD-40 in the house.


21



Look for answers where truth, laughter, kindness, beauty, compassion and love are found. (Not in outward appearances or illusions of perfection. Not in cynicism, apathy or destructiveness.)


10, 13, 16, 19, 21



When you see someone in military uniform, thank them for their service. Hold the door open for them, etc. If they are behind you in line at Starbucks, pay for their coffee. At the very least, look them in the eye and smile - they’ve made a tremendous sacrifice and you should acknowledge that.


12, 16, 21



Sometimes you don’t know what to do, can’t figure out what’s the right direction for you. That’s okay. Try thinking about what you *don’t* want to do. (See John Cusack career plans speech in 1989 movie “Say Anything.”


11, 16, 19, 21



“Pick a problem - any problem,and do something about it. Because to somebody who is hurting, ‘something’ is everything.” -Oprah Winfrey


12-16



Beware of people that try and rial you up. Who benefits from what they’re saying? Are they trying to sell you something? Are they trying to scare you or appealing to other base emotions or prejudice? Are they qualified on the subject, or do they just have an opinion? Plenty of good, smart people get radicalized


13, 17, 21



Some people think the world owes THEM. They have a backwards. We are servants. How can we best serve?


12-21



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


10, 15, 21



Keep screen time to a minimum.


2-8



Pool safety- never touch equipment and always have a grownup present when swimming.


3-8



Human creativity is nature manifest in us.


15, 21



Challenge: Memorize and recite The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus.


10



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



Be present. Don’t turn every conversation into a lesson. They stay in their rooms so much because they feel safe there. They’re tired and stressed out and managing a lot of change.


13



Lookout for the girls when you’re in a group. Some boys will try to take advantage or straight up r@pe them. Your responsibility goes beyond avoiding harming anyone. Your male privilege is a perk…earn it. Protect girls from sketchy dudes. No big deal, just help when you can and then move along. Don’t expect a cookie.


14,15, 16, 17, 21



Ask smart questions. More importantly, ask stupid questions! So many people are afraid of looking stupid that they totally fake understanding. Even in the very highest levels of career and society. Ask basic questions if something doesn’t make sense. Start at a kindergarten level understanding of a concept then build on it.


15, 20



Never make someone feel bad for liking something. Not your kids, your friends or colleagues. Joy is a beautiful thing. Cherish it in yourself and in others.


8, 9, 12



Biographies: Be inspired.


12



The moment you lose your cool, you’ve lost.


12,13, 14, 15, 16, 21



Assume any email or text you send will be distributed.


12, 15



Get at least 2, preferably 3 estimates on any major expenses for home or car.


21



Model good nutrition and fitness routine.


4



Build something beautiful.


13, 21



Watch the news together. Local and national. Today Show has both of mornings are easier than evenings.


12, 13, 14, 15



We can disagree with people and still be respectful of them. (When what they espouse is something that hurts people, that’s where you can draw the line.)


16



Love isn’t enough but it’s a great start.


21



Always wear an undershirt with a dress shirt.


15



"The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world." - Paul Farmer


15, 21