“First the pain. Then the waiting. Then the rising.” Glennon Doyle


16, 21



Write your own job description. When you've been around long enough to know what you're good at and can identify what needs in the company you can help with.


21



Read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson together.


17



“Tell me something you want to be when you grow up.”


5, 8



“Tell me the story of your day.” (Works better than “how was your day?”


5, 6, 10



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



If you can’t afford to tip the server, you can’t afford to be there.


15



Read maps.


9-14



Put down your phone and be in the moment. Teach this. Model this.


7



You’re going to be okay if your relationship ends. You were a whole person before them and you’ll be a whole person after. - therapy Jeff


15, 21



When you’re getting serious in a relationship here’s something to consider- To what extent is your partner is willing to put others’ needs before their own?


21



Listen to podcast “1912” about an incident of alarming racial injustice Forsyth County GA.


12



Your good name is the most important credential you’ll ever have. Act with integrity in all things, that ben if it means short-term pain. Build a reputation for honesty, dependability and trustworthiness.


14, 17, 20



Sometimes the only thing you can do is to show up. Be there.


13, 15, 17, 21



To my boys: Personally I believe the boy / man should pay when out on a date. Always be prepared to pay - but sometimes a girl / woman wants to pay or split the check. Don’t push back on that. Make sure she knows it would be your pleasure to pay because you want to show her a good time and spoil her, but that you understand that paying a check doesn’t put her in your debt. Instead, your motto should be “If you’re comfortable, I’m comfortable.” And that goes for a lot of categories including sex/ physical contact. And to my girls: Always be prepared to pay, offer to pay often. It’s a sad fact that some men feel they’re owed something if they spring for dinner. On a date you are never obligated to do or say anything you don’t want to. Never.


16, 21



Keep stuff on hand for guests. Be ready to be a good host / hostess at any moment.


16-21



1

Take the train to Roanoke.


10



Girls: does he put in the effort even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable for him?


16, 20, 21



Read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book on creativity. Re-read every few years!


17



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


21



“Don’t chase your dreams


14, 17, 20, 21



Questions 1. How did you fail today? 2. What did you learn? 3. What do you love about yourself? 4. Name something you’re grateful for. 5. How are you in service to others? 6. Did you feel God’s presence today? 7. Are you happy in your heart? 8. What is something that scares you? 9. What do you need to feel safe and supported? 10. What’s something you like doing that makes your heart happy?


7, 8, 9, 15



Train for a mini-triathlon together as a family this year.


12



Reinforce this at every opportunity: “You matter.” Kids respond to this message deeply, whether it comes from a positive source (parents/teacher/coach) or people who are only trying to exploit them.


2-18



No bragging. Don’t toot your own horn.


11, 15, 21



Just love them. With all your might, them for who they are, and where they are. Forget about the other stuff.


15



It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. ____ In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. ____ If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.” — Haim G. Ginott, Teacher and Child: A Book for Parents and Teachers (Re-ticket this every year.)


6



Find what you love Do what you love Be what you love Live what you love Love what you love and never look back ... Except to love.


19