Addiction is when you can’t get through the day without something. It’s not that you need to feel high, it’s that you can’t live without what gets you high. Humans are all wired to be at risk for addiction


13, 15, 18, 20



Ask: What are you responsible for?


15-18



It’s possible (even common) to feel conflicting emotions simultaneously. You can be glad you’re not with a girl and still be jealous if she finds a new love. You can be glad you’ve moved on and still miss what once was. You can be sad that something happened and grateful for something that came of it. Humans are complex. Two or more conflicting thoughts can exist in our heads at once. It’s not a betrayal or a character flaw.


17



Visit the Grand Canyon together


18-21



Mvzkhdkhd


19



Seek / Accept job offers that teach you something valuable. Now isn’t the time in your life to worry about the money or status. Get experience! Have fun, learn, grow, challenge yourself and try new things.


15-20



Surround yourself with people, places and spaces that feed your spirit. At the very least, avoid those that drain your spirit.


17



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


6



1

Get book “Talk to Me First: Everything You Need to Know to Become Your Kids'Go-To Person about Sex.” by Deborah Roffman.


7



Major regret: focusing too much on being liked (or loved.) You can’t *make* anyone love you. Some people just won’t like you… that’s okay. Make yourself proud. Do YOUR thing. Spend time on what matters to you.


14, 21



Read J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit together


11



Make a gift of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.


15



Remind them they’re safe to feel whatever they’re feeling.


2, 12, 21



It matters more “how” you go to college than “where” you go to college.


16



Shirts and pants don't go into the laundry inside-out. From now on, they will be responsible for turning their laundry right-side-out. Will help instill that laundry is not done by the laundry fairy.


4



With toddlers (or teens), first acknowledge the emotion. Then deal with the behavior. Validate their feelings. Once everyone is calm, address the behavior and discuss consequences if appropriate.


2, 13, 17



People learn all sorts of different ways. I found I learn best by repetition (drills) especially true for skills. And by listening for studying. Recording my lectures in college made a huge difference in my ability to learn and retain material. Let’s find what works for you.


14, 17



If you’re waiting on someone to change for the relationship to work, it’s not gonna work. Love ‘em or leave ‘em. But forget trying to change them. (Same works in reverse. If someone wants you to change something about yourself before they commit, don’t walk away…RUN!)


14, 18, 21



Consensual sex requires no persuasion, convincing or begging.


14, 17



You can’t be a good parent if you’re a miserable person. Take care of yourself. Make the changes necessary to get in a good place. Ask for help. The happier you are, the happier they will be.


1, 10, 15



change the wifi password often. Hold it hostage until chores are done. Work first, play later.


9-14



Buy life insurance when you're young.


21



Don’t worry about finding your person. Focus on finding your people.


15, 21



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


13



Never resist a generous impulse.


9, 12, 19



Learn to recognize invitations from the Lord - invitations to look at beauty. Invitations for compassion, for learning and for love.


9-15



Just love ‘em up. Be patient and kind. Be present. Listen. Play. Take care of their needs. Each one will be different and need you in different ways. That’s all, just fill them with love and security and they’ll grow up beautifully.


1-18



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


12



“Love is giving your heart without expectation.” - Dan Fogelman


16, 21



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


1