Forget perfection. Nothing is perfect. No relationship, job, house, or day is perfect. Let go of expectations, be open to the mess.


18



When you’re getting serious in a relationship here’s something to consider- To what extent is your partner is willing to put others’ needs before their own?


21



My biggest regret is wasting my energy on people who didn’t think much of me. You can’t make someone love you. It’s a mystery what brings people together. You didn’t do anything wrong, you just need to let go and spend your light on people who bask in it.


17



When you’re trying to make a positive change and you get sidetracked- don’t fret. Get right back to it as soon as possible. If you backslide into a bad habit, or blow your diet, etc. start back eating right with your next meal (not the next year/ month/week or even next day.) It’s not the falling off the wagon that hurts your progress, it’s the STAYING off the wagon. Everyone flubs-up sometimes. Don’t quit striving toward your goal because you slipped up. Get right back to it!!


14, 17, 21



Sometimes good people aren’t a good match. It’s better for both of you if you’re honest with yourself and with them.


17, 21



Everything not saved will be lost. This is true for documents in Word and in life.


16



Jazz in the Garden free outdoor concerts at National Gallery of Art. Fridays during summer months.


7



Plan out first concert.


11



When you’re in a disagreement with someone or feel you’ve been wronged, it’s helpful to remember who the other person is. Are they someone of integrity? (If they’re your friend I bet they are.) Remember then, that even though they may have done something to hurt you, they were likely believed their actions were doing (or at least trying to do) the right thing. People sometimes get it wrong. Or they don’t have all the facts. Or their mind is just somewhere else. The pain you may feel from a perceived slight is probably not intentional, but even if it is, try to forgive and let it go. We’re all just doing the best we can.


16, 21



“Enthusiasm is the answer to everything.” - Rodrigo’s father


15, 21



Typically, brains aren’t mature until about age 25. ADHD brains take longer


17, 21



The more you want, the less you get.


14, 16, 21



Buy life insurance when you're young.


21



Three things you cannot change: The past, the truth, someone else.


18



“It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to grieve. Because you can also live your life, and love your life, and be happy too.” Excellent advice from 9/11 survivor.


12, 15, 19



Talk about how choices become habits. Habits can become addictions. Describe how pathways are literally dug into the brain and it's very hard to change them once those paths are made.


13-16



“For better or worse means no matter what life throws at us, not no matter what you do to me.” - Brenda Linn


19, 21



You don’t owe me a thing. Live your life as you will. I will always love you.


18, 21



Remember when you’re faced with bullies, jerks and people who say bad things , follow advice from the Obama's: "When they go low we go high."


1Infant-14



If you ever borrow someone’s car, return it with a full tank of gas.


20



The thing about hiding is you’re always worried you’ll be see, caught, or found out. It takes a toll. I hope you never hide from who you are, or feel like you have to fake it to be liked. I will always accept you as you are, and I hope to raise you so you accept yourself (and others) as well.


14,17



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


9-13



1

It’s very difficult to pull off sarcasm in written form. It does not translate.


15



Book: “victory. Stand!” By Tommie Smith


14



Quit trying to uncrazy the crazies


17, 21



Challenge yourself every day, in one way or another. Mentally (read!) Is there any room for growth in an area you are struggling with? physically (take your pick but never take stupid risks with your safety), emotionally (allow yourself to be vulnerable. Apologize.), spiritually (pray/meditate/ fast.)


13, 17, 21



Always wear an undershirt underneath a dress shirt.


13



Give him a copy of The Secret Lives of Great Composers by Elizabeth Lunday.


14



Review basic grammar mistakes: Their, they’re and there. “It’s” and “its” “a lot”, etc.


10