There’s a lot of virtue to the “Let them” theory of parenting. It’s their life. Drop out of school? Not what I would want, but as long as I’ve had my say, the decision is theirs to make. The mess will be theirs too, but that’s just life. Stop trying to control everyone and everything. Give yourself and everyone else a break and as long as it’s nothing harmful, let them. Don’t try to bend them to your will, and keep your opinions to yourself.


12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18



Following your conscience is more important than getting ahead and will make a greater difference in how happy you are. Getting ahead or not isn’t entirely up to you, but listening to your conscience is.” - Senator Mitt Romney (paraphrase)


16



Watch Abby Wambach's 2018 Barnard commencement address together.


16



“Human beings are linked, not ranked.” - Gloria Steinem (f*ck the patriarchy)


15



Sleep paralysis runs in the family. If you ever feel like you’re awake but you can’t move - don’t panic. It will pass in a minute. It’s just a lag time in your sleep/wake cycle.


20



“The more you sweat, the less you bleed.” True in boxing and in life. Put the work in. No shortcuts.


14, 18, 21



Research says working with your hands is good for your mind and spirit. Even if it’s just folding laundry or doing yard work. Let’s find a hobby u might like working with your hands.


12



Participate in an exchange program - either through hosting or traveling yourself & immerse yourself in the new culture


17



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


19, 21



No bragging. Don’t toot your own horn.


11, 15, 21



Watch Ted Lasso together.


16



The universe is cheering for you!


14, 16, 18, 20



If you have to pretend to be someone else to get or keep a relationship or job, etc. then that relationship/job is not for you!


15, 17, 21



Geocaching


5-11



Every time your heart breaks, your vision gets better. You appreciate beauty and recognize and respond to others’ pain better.


12, 15, 18, 21



Teach car maintenance: Adding air to tires, checking oil, etc.


13-17



Let decency be like a religion to you. Practice it …but don’t preach it.


14



When disciplining remember: First acknowledge the emotion, then address the behavior.


2-4, 13, 15



1

Doing something you don’t want to do just to look cool is the opposite of cool.


9, 11, 14, 15, 19, 21



“Never allow anyone to be humiliated in your presence.” - Eliezer "Elie" Wiesel


12, 14, 17, 21



Don’t stay down too long.


16, 19, 21



Educate yourself. You can't solve a problem if you don't understand it.


14-21



My mom used to proudly describe herself as an “Irish Catholic Democrat.” I think my dad voted for Reagan once but other than that we’re all pretty liberal.


18



Two words: Kinetic Sand.


3



Your good name is the most important credential you’ll ever have. Act with integrity in all things, that ben if it means short-term pain. Build a reputation for honesty, dependability and trustworthiness.


14, 17, 20



Being a professional means taking your work seriously not necessarily taking yourself seriously but take the job seriously, you’re there to do a job your income and the income of those around you depend on it is not a joke. It is not something to be played with you made a commitment, honor it. Show up, prepared and ready to work. Be there on time dressed well alert and positive..


16, 17, 21



Love isn’t enough but it’s a great start.


21



Opioids are highly addictive. If possible, stay away from them entirely and definitely not for more than 2-3 days. Manage pain with NSAIDS or Tylenol.


16, 18, 21



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


7-14