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


15, 21



You can’t hit ‘em all outta the park. Some days (dates, reviews, vacations, report cards, etc.) are just going to fall flat. No worries, the next one will be better.


15, 19



Never tolerate abuse. But definitely learn how to throw annoying habits and stupid drama in the bucket of the 10% of things you don’t like about being in the relationship. Even the most beautiful stallions poo, everything produces waste. Clean the waste, deal with it as a constant byproduct of life. don’t $@!#% the horse so you don’t have to deal with poo.


17, 21



"You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read." ~ James Baldwin


14, 19



When things get scary, look for the helpers. This is true in physical crises and existential ones. SCOTUS just passed down a few truly horrifying rulings, including reversing Roe v Wade. I’m disheartened in all that’s going on, but was reminded to look for the helpers, the activists, etc. Look for them…and join them.


10, 15, 21



Sometimes you have to put aside how you feel about a person and objectively look at how their actions show how they feel about *you.*


16



Throw some love at a problem.


12, 15, 21



Be willing to say “I don’t know” if you don’t know! Don’t just make stuff up.


15, 20



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


11



It’s not a project, it’s a practice. (Health, fitness, keeping up with current events, prayer or meditation, housework, reading, etc.)


16



Quoting Glennon Doyle: “Things can feel hard and sad and still be exactly right, all at the same time.” She’s referring to her divorce but the sentiment applies to all kinds of tough choices that we all make. Very few choices feel 100% right.


17



There IS such a thing as coming on too strong. Err on the side of leaving them wanting more.


15, 18, 21



Life doesn’t have to turn out like you imagined it would in order to be AMAZING.


19



Watch Parts Unknown together.


14-16



Plan a neighborhood "Winter Olympics" for snow days. Create indoor and outdoor events.


8



Our nervous systems are just trying to keep us safe. If you were thrown into fight/flight/fawn today, give yourself some grace.


14, 21



Numbing doesn’t work. Let it hurt, let it heal, then it lets itself go.


15,21



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


7



Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Unless you're a lifeguard. ;)


16, 21



Camp Arena Stage


8



Don’t use a bad word when you can use a good word.


10



Let’s talk about how we can bless people - with what we have and by how we act.


7



Your great-great grandmother was a seamstress at Marshall Fields. Her husband was a firefighter in Chicago. The immigrated from County Wexford in Ireland.


10



You tackled a big project and you're wondering if it will be a success. Ask yourself: "Was I fair?" Was I kind?" " Did I put in the work?" If the answer is yes, then rest well, no matter what the outcome. If the answer is no, go back and fix it.


17



If it makes you happy it doesn't have to make sense to anyone else.


11, 14, 20



Two instances when exercise is unhealthy: when you’re only doing it because you want to lose weight or because you’re terrified you will gain weight.


14, 18, 21



open your own business


20



Go to Montgomery County Fair


5-14



Be generous in all things. That is my hope for you.


14, 18, 21



At the hospital? Always confirm your name and date of birth and why you’re there.


16