"You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read." ~ James Baldwin


14, 19



Creepy is as creepy does - it’s not something you “are” it’s something you do. If you don’t want to be a creep then don’t f*cking act like one. People have a right to live their lives without being intruded upon. Don’t lurk, if you want to get to know someone tell them. Invite them to do something together or just hang out. If they’re not interested then drop it. You can ask again only if they have clearly signaled they changed their mind. (Which is more likely to happen if you respect their boundaries.)


13, 16, 19, 21



The person who lives in the body gets to say who touches that body.


5



It’s not fair to resent someone for being who they are. We can all improve ourselves, learn and grow etc. but we should never ask anyone to change who they are in exchange for our love. And that goes both ways - never change who you are to fit someone else’s idea of who you should be. Be open to ways to can improve yourself of course, but surround yourself with people who love you for you and encourage you to be your genuine self and who want the best for you.


12, 15, 18, 21



When driving in the car with your kids, ask them to count motorcycles, cyclists, pedestrians. Prize to the highest count! This will train them to be on the lookout for them.


10



Share Brene Brown's short video on Empathy vs. Sympathy: Be the bear, not the goat. Fantastic 3 minute video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw&feature=youtu.be


12, 14, 18, 21



Plan trip to Outside Lands music festival at Golden Gate Park


17



If you’re easily offended you are easily manipulated. So take a breath and turn off your ego.


14, 19, 21



Are they (we) getting enough quiet?


8, 12-14



Talk about the difference between not feeling comfortable and not feeling safe.


7, 11, 14, 19. 21



Sometimes, no matter how great a thing is it can’t make up for what it’s not.


14, 19, 21



Adjust your expectations but never lower your standards.


12, 15, 18, 21



End of August by Robert Frost is one of my favorite poems.


20



Remember: “C’s get degrees.” Don’t tie yourself in knots over grades.


17, 18



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



Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength.


13, 21



It’s okay if you don’t know how (or don’t want) to move on. Start with something easier…just don’t go back.


16



Bring Christmas cookies to local fire station and police station. (Annually)


6



1

Never give unsolicited advice. Instead ask “How can I best support you?”


14, 20



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


12



Always have a 5 year plan. Be thinking of goals you want to work towards, however big or small. What inspires you? What drives you? What do you want to accomplish or cure or solve?


15, 17, 21



“When little people get overwhelmed by big feelings it’s our job to share our calm, not join their chaos.” L.R. Knost


1, 2, 3, 4, 10



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


8



Get to know your body, push yourself in terms of strength and endurance. You're stronger than you think. You're growing stronger every day. Your body is amazing and healthy. Take care of it! Enjoy it! Use your amazing strength and energy to do good in the world.


12-16



Check out the Wolf Trap Children's summer theater.


4-11



You always have a choice. Always.


15, 19, 21



Check out Long Lake Summer Camp in NY. Theater, the arts, etc.


12, 13, 14, 15, 16



When someone gets upset for seemingly no reason maybe it’s not something you did or said but something you simply triggered. Try not to get defensive. Either gently remove yourself from the situation or if you want to engage with them just ask “what did I trigger?” Or “what story are you telling yourself right now?” Then, just listen.


20



When you’re at home in your own skin you invite people to be at home in theirs too.


14, 20



We are all incurably human.


5, 15, 21