Name five women who contributed to our country’s history.


8, 13, 16



Sometimes (oftentimes) the truth is easier to find than to face.


14, 20



Adopting a “do it right now” mentality has done wonders for my self-discipline. Something on the floor? Grab it right now. Thinking about cooking later? Cook right now. Laundry finished? Put them up right now. Home from a trip? Unpack right then. It’s the small things.


8, 9, 12, 17



“Racism is real, even if you aren’t a racist. White privilege is real, even if you don’t feel it. Police brutality is real, even if the cop you know is kind. Your world isn’t the world. Everything is not about you.” -Mohamed Safa


16, 21



Golf lessons. Grampa loved golf, if he were here he would have taught you himself.


9



Always know where the main water shut-off is in your house.


18



I’m going to keep from telling them how to feel.


4-18



Motivation: Just start. Two minutes. You don’t need to feel good to get going, you need to get going to give yourself a chance to feel good.


16



Kids (and people of all ages) need attention, affection and appreciation. It’s not all they need, but it’s a start!


11



My mom did laundry twice a week: Tuesdays and Saturdays. She separated colors! It never piled up and we all had clean clothes. I do laundry daily, it's never done and we can't find what we need. Ask Grandma what was her secret to the science of laundry. Because it's now your job to do all your own laundry!


14



“If the pain was deep you will have to let it go many times.” Yung Pueblo from book Lighter


15, 18, 21



From our beautiful Grandma Marie: Go easy on the makeup, get serious about skincare. Don’t skimp, use good-quality products on your face and neck. And remember SUNSCREEN on face, neck and hands every day!


16



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



Stay away from anything or anyone that denies or disparages a person’s humanity. (Or a group’s humanity.)


12-21



When you’re tired, the next best thing to sleep is a shower.


16



Respect people’s boundaries / quirks. Someone who “doesn’t fly” may have fear of enclosed spaces due to anxiety or past trauma. Someone who doesn’t drink may have had a parent who was an abusive alcoholic. Don’t laugh, question or prod. If they want to talk about it, fine. Otherwise just accept their boundaries.


15, 21



That little space between stimulus and response...that’s all the control we get. That space is ours to do with. That space is fertile ground for addiction, for faith, for peace or pain. When the sh*t hits the fan, resist the urge to run away from the pain. Trying to dull it will only make it grow deeper roots.


19



Do feel like you’re where you’re supposed to be?


19, 21



In social situations it's better to talk too little than too much. Don't over-share with people you're not close to.


15



1

If baby / toddler is melting down, put them in the bathtub or bring them outside. A change in temperature will calm them.


Infant-4



Watch Parts Unknown together.


14-16



Visit Aunt Janet in Morehead City for Seafood Festival in October


2-99



No one knows what they’re doing. Just be kind and brave and curious. You don’t have to have it figured out.


17



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


Infant-21



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


7-18



I get it. It’s exhausting when they’re little. But you will never be so needed or so loved as you are during these years.


2, 3, 4



Let them borrow your calm. Little ones (grownups too) sometimes just need to freak out a bit. Stay there. Be near. Don’t judge or even help. Just be there, and stay calm. Your loving energy is all they need as they work through it themselves. Keep them safe but other than that don’t help or advise unless they ask.


2-6, 17, 21



If your car is overheating turn on the heat full blast. It draws heat off the engine.


16



You are never too old to play in the snow.


16



“Pain that is not transformed is transmitted.” Fr. Richard Rohr


14