Pick a project on Instructables.com and work on it together this winter.


7



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


21



Be a good guest. Never arrive to a dinner or a party empty handed. Bring a gift: flowers, food, drink, etc.


18



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



“There is no such thing as a “bad kid” - just angry, hurt, tired, scared, confused, impulsive ones expressing their feelings


7, 12



Your body and brain are always trying to protect you.


17



This Coda is my creation. It’s what I wanted to accomplish as a parent. What you do with it is entirely up to you. I hope you never feel like you have to do the same. Make your own way. Make yourself proud. If you’re happy, I’m happy.


21



Sailing lessons.


14



Respect people’s privacy. No snooping, eavesdropping, peeping, etc.


11



Give baby a banana before bed and they’ll sleep through the night. (Obviously once they’re on solid food.)


1



One of the most difficult things in life will be to embrace difficult and unfamiliar ways in order to grow or heal. But doing so is the only way we can grow or heal. You can do hard things. Breathe deep and take it by moment if you have to.


18, 21



All behavior is communication.


2-6



One of the funny/sensitive things about puberty is that kids can be the same age chronologically while being wildly varied in terms of development. Kid might be 6 feet tall in seventh grade or be a senior in high school and still not shaving. Everyone is self conscious, praying to avoid embarrassment. It’s all just part of growing up. Be kind to yourself and to your equally mortified peers.


11, 12, 13



Resist the urge to give unsolicited advice. Wait…this entire thing is unsolicited advice!


15



Never do two illegal things at the same time. Don’t break the law while breaking the law.


16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21



You're about to come into a ton of energy and strength. It will seem like a lot to manage at first, but you'll get used to it and learn to use it constructively. Push your limits (within reason.) Challenge yourself.


13



Not knowing what you’re doing is a lot less terrifying than not knowing who to trust.


14, 19, 21



Sleep paralysis runs in the family. If you ever feel like you’re awake but you can’t move - don’t panic. It will pass in a minute. It’s just a lag time in your sleep/wake cycle.


20



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


14, 19, 21



Consensual sex requires no persuasion, convincing or begging.


14, 17



Watch the political conventions every election year. Listen and decide for yourself.


17, 18, 21



“Dress braver than you feel. Act braver than you feel.” - Ray


17



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



Grit.


14



Always hold the door open for the next person.


4-14



1

“Success is liking who you are, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” - Maya Angelou


13, 15, 21



Read “Lighter” by Yung Pueblo. Read it every year.


17, 19, 21



Everybody emits energy. What sort of energy do you want to put out into the universe? Your thoughts, actions, prayers, struggles, laughter, etc. that’s all you. Your energy is all your own. Spend some time thinking about what kind of aura to want to have.


17



Bottom line bible quote: Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the LORD and do good.” That pretty much covers everything.


13, 21