Never allow anyone to tell you who you are.


17



Chemistry is not the same thing as compatibility.


16, 19, 21



Universal Studios


12-18



Grandpa used to describe injuries and medical procedures as “It’s a nothin.” I think of this every time I have to endure something painful.


14, 18



Talk about how to act respectfully and be inclusive of children with disabilities and facial deformities, etc.


5-10



“If you want to be beautiful, make beautiful choices.” - (Greek philosopher whose name I can’t remember.)


10, 13, 17, 21



Writing is re-writing


15, 18



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


21



Don’t waste your life’s purpose worrying about what other people think about you.


12, 15, 21



Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter. Hush until you heal.


12, 18



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


13, 15, 17, 21



Practice “doing without” (or “going without.”). Even young kids can learn the concept. Nobody get everything they want. Sometimes it’s harder than others, but it’s not the end of the world when we have to do without something we want.


4-11



Talk to people like they belong and are valued exactly as they are in that moment.


12-14, 21



Start playing Jokers and Marbles. Get it on Amazon or Etsy.


9



Life is difficult...Focus on the joy.


16, 20



When you’re struggling with something, you don’t know how you feel or why something is happening... Give it to the Lord. Entrust him with it. He will mold it and soften it so you’re able to process it.


19



We all want to be liked. But consider what you’re willing to *not* be liked for: If things like kindness and loyalty and being genuinely yourself *cost* you friends, is that a bad thing? Were they really friends then? Try not to do or say anything simply out of a desire to be liked.


11, 13, 16, 21



At the start of a day / project / interview / date / etc. Do this one simple thing: State your intention. How do you want to carry yourself? What is the goal for the outcome? Just take a moment to imagine how you want to behave, react, appear, etc. What impression do you want to leave with the people you interact with? Of those things that are in your control, what outcome would make you proud?


15, 20



Theme: Dignity


11



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


20



Be thankful for opportunities to be of service. It means God is trusting you to help.


8-14



“Beer muscles” is when guys gain a sense of indestructibility, an exaggerated sense of their own strength. Fights and aggressive behavior ensues.


15



Attend a school board meeting or some sort of government meeting. Attend / participate.


13



Crushes are fine but I beg you not to waste your time and energy obsessing about someone. Really it’s just a way to hide, to feel something without risking anything. F that. Turn your attention to something creative, constructive or productive. Make art, train for a race, volunteer or get a second job. Discover WHAT you love. Pursue that and your people will be there.


15, 17, 20, 21



Water park for fifth birthday


10



Open a Bank Account


8-12



Pour energy into what’s right with you and see what happens.


20, 21



Intimacy is a feeling of safety. To let yourself be seen, touched, known, without defenses.


17, 21



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


20