Assume any email or text you send will be distributed.


12, 15



You’re gonna want to quit, many times. Whether it’s a job, a marriage, a degree, a cause… whatever. I have no way of knowing whether or not you should quit, just know that feeling like you want to quit is normal when you hit a setback or disappointment, or rejection or betrayal. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to feel that way forever. Sometimes it’s best to cut your losses, sometimes it’s better to stick it out. Treat yourself with patience and compassion while you consider what’s best.


14, 17, 21



Life is difficult...Focus on the joy.


16, 20



You are absolutely priceless. What someone thinks of you, whatever may happen to you, no matter who loves you (or rejects you), nothing can diminish your worth or your worthiness. You. Are. Priceless.


10, 14, 17



Read the instructions. Don't ask for help if you've been given instructions but haven't yet read them. RTFM. (Read the flippin' manual.)


14-21



Read “Attack of the Black Rectangles” by Amy Sarid King.


12



Look into YMCA “family camp” in PA.


7



Use Shutterfly or something like it to make Christmas books and birthday books each year.


Infant-21



Just for the record, I didn’t vote for Trump. I want my great-grandchildren to know that.


18



1

One of the best doctors I ever worked with started his day by walking through the office and saying “good morning” to everyone. He’d do the same before he left at the end of the day, just making sure everyone was ok, to call him if they needed anything, etc. I don’t know what your career will be but if you’re in a position to do so, I hope you’ll adopt this habit.


21



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



Don’t go to sleep on a full stomach.


10, 15, 17, 19



When the poop hits the fan, that's when real discipleship begins.


15-18



Stuff will happen and you’ll think “I can’t get through this. I can’t go on.” In the moment it really feels that way. But ...You will survive. You’ll find a way. Never give up on yourself. I never will.


17



1

Toast your wife at every occasion.


21



Notre Dame Lullabies by the O’Neil Brothers is my favorite album ever. I used to play it at your bedtime when u were a baby and even sometimes when you were a kid. It reminds me of the happiest time of my life, when you came into it. Play it for me when I’m old and gray, okay?


21



Keep your pants on until you (and your partner) are at least 18. Keep your pants on if you or your partner are drunk. Keep your pants on if you or your partner are not 100% enthusiastic about going farther.


15



People will speak or act in all kinds of unpleasant ways. Stay calm and kind.


14-21



Kids Can Make a Difference is a great resource for teaching little kids about poverty and equality.


6-10



Visit Aunt Janet in Morehead City for Seafood Festival in October


2-99



Devotion is revealed by behavior, not intention.


15, 17, 21



We’re born full of love. Life is about choosing where you want to put it. -xo


15, 19, 21



The opposite of depression is expression.


15



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


14, 19, 21



Book: “victory. Stand!” By Tommie Smith


14



Ask smart questions. More importantly, ask stupid questions! So many people are afraid of looking stupid that they totally fake understanding. Even in the very highest levels of career and society. Ask basic questions if something doesn’t make sense. Start at a kindergarten level understanding of a concept then build on it.


15, 20



“It takes about 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” - Warren Buffett


12, 14, 16, 19, 21



It’s not fair to resent someone for being exactly who they are.


17, 21



Learn how to release energy consciously, or you’ll end up releasing it unconsciously onto your loved ones in a negative way like yelling or arguing. Breathe, sing, shout, cry, sweat, play, bake, whatever floats your boat!


1-21



Considering taking meds for your mental health but concerned about the side effects? Consider the side effects of *not* taking them! Meds don’t turn you into someone you’re not, they lift the murky fog around your brain so you can be more yourself. It’s the depression that changes you. Meds just help you get rid of the fog.


18, 21