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



“Pay yourself first” means save before you spend. You never know when you’ll need to tap into savings, so build it up early and heartily.


18



I hope you don’t have to struggle with your weight. For me it’s been a lifelong battle. Some things I learned are: Listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry. Eat as many vegetables as possible. Ignore the scale and focus on other goals, ones that are in your control such as how long you can run (or dance, or row, etc.) Reading a book instead of plopping down in front of the tv with a bowl of ice cream, saying “no thanks” to a treat. Focusing on pounds lost or gained is deflating. Stay in good shape for as long as you can! Make your health a priority. It’s much harder to get in shape than to stay in shape.


21



Choose to love despite the rage. See poem by Lucas Jones “ I Will Teach My Sons to be Dangerous Men.”


12, 14, 16, 19, 21



Read everything Brene Brown ever wrote.


20



Hold fast to what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)


10, 15, 21



Resentment is a sign you are giving too much and are in need of replenishment. It’s a good example of how even the “negative” emotions are on your side, interpreting your experience in the world.


16, 18, 21



I forget who said it but I love it: “I don’t know what I think until I write it down.” Paper and pen. Write. Keep it or burn it whatever you like. Journal or make a list or bullet points or narrative…whatever. Just write.


15, 21



Never say anything behind someone's back that you wouldn't say to their face.


11, 14, 18



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


18, 21



Don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.


16



Never take friendships for granted. Show up. Reach out. Be there when they need you. Friends are gifts; tend to those relationships with love.


15, 20



When they’re upset just ask what they need: space, distraction, or talk about it.


12



Processing an emotion means you’re not acting on it or avoiding it, you’re just with it. I like to picture it as a person and then imagine having a cup of coffee or a beer with it. Hope this helps you. xoxo


13, 16



Find an activity / sport that they enjoy and support it. Get them outside and in the fresh air.


6-16



A wise friend once told me "Don't dump grace down the drain." Respond to nudges: Speak up even if you're afraid, reach out to someone who's hurting, forgive someone (or yourself.) God is so good and so generous...accept his gifts.


15



Be teachable. If you walk around thinking you know it all, your career and relationships will suffer. Consider how much you have to learn and welcome any opportunity to learn. “Teach me” instead of “I don’t know.”


16



“Bullies are scared people hiding inside scary people.” -Michelle Obama


8-12



Plan trip to Outside Lands music festival at Golden Gate Park


17



"Tough times don't last. Tough people do."


11-14



1

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


19, 21



Emphasize "First things first." Distraction is always a challenge. Redirect focus to first things first.


5



“When happy, be kind. When sad, be kind. When ever…be kind.” - Cory Booker


9, 12, 15, 19, 21



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


17, 21



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



My favorite actor was Robin Williams.


19



Don’t waste big money on little things. Be intentional about what you spend.


16, 21



To avoid miscommunication and misplaced expectations, tell your partner what you need from them. But if what you need is for them to be a different person, that’s not fair to them or to you. Let them go and set about finding the right person.


18, 20



Read Big Magic by Liz Gilbert. Re-read every 5-10 years.


19, 21



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


15-18