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


15



Honestly I think all religions are at least fifty percent bull pucky and none of them come close to reflecting the loving nature of God, which is broader and deeper than our little brains can grasp. So pick your poison. Whatever religion feels like home, like a place that can provide context for you to explore the goodness and beauty at the heart of the universe…that’s the religion for you. And if no religion fits the bill, that’s fine too. Either way, always remember and keep coming back to the knowledge that you are so very loved.


16, 21



Never open someone else's mail, or listen to their conversation, etc. If it's not your business to know, don't snoop.


14-21



Practice your signature


13



“If the pain was deep you will have to let it go many times.” Yung Pueblo from book Lighter


15, 18, 21



Robin Williams was one of the best examples of how to be a good human.


15, 19, 21



Consensual sex requires no persuasion, convincing or begging.


14, 17



Watch documentary The Rescue together.


15



Men worry about getting laughed at or rejected by a woman. Women worry about getting killed when they reject a man. Let that sink in.


15, 21



“In the middle of the pain you didn’t cause, the change you didn’t want, the reality you didn’t know was coming . . . your life can still be beautiful.” Lysa TerKeurst


20



Create tech-free zones and times.


10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 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



Rain, snow or sleet...Always return the shopping cart to the proper spot in the parking lot.


17



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



You’re someone’s cup of tea. I don’t mean there is only one person out there for you, I mean someone is waiting to love you exactly how you are. Stop wasting time with fools who want to change you to fit their ideal.


15, 19, 21



No absolute restrictions on food but stress that some foods are “party food.” Chips, for example. (I love potato chips!)


4



Golf lessons. Grampa loved golf, if he were here he would have taught you himself.


9



Sometimes progress is slow - Keep working. Sometimes change is swift - hang on!


16



Don’t stay down too long.


16, 19, 21



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


15



Violent thunderstorms can be dangerous. Avoid driving or being out in severe weather: car accidents, downed trees, high winds, lightning, flash floods, etc. are all potentially deadly. Don’t take your safety for granted. If the weather is severe, stay sheltered unless you absolutely positively have to be out and about.


12-14, 16, 21



Parent the way you want your children to behave. Compassion, patience. Loving.


1, 2, 3, 4



Keep a pair of nail clippers in the car - much better lighting outside. Clipping tiny fingernails is terrifying!


Infant-1



Someone I admire is __________. Talk about someone you admire and why. Ask them to do the same. Do this often as you can. Reticket through age 18.


4



Don’t waste big money on little things. Be intentional about what you spend.


16, 21



“Abhor what is evil. Hold fast to what is good.”


10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21



“Your warmth can be an invitation that unlocks their own.” - Elizabeth Lesser. I love this quote because it’s so true that when you’re kind and genuine, people respond. They take it as a signal that you are a safe place for them to express themselves, which will enable a true connection to be formed. You both win when that happens.


15, 21



Invest in a laminator, a label maker and a glue gun. You’ll be glad you did!


5