If you’re unable to help someone, help someone else. Throw some goodness or beauty in the bucket of humanity.


16



Grandpa didn’t drink coffee, but when he was in Korea he used to drink it just so he could hold the cup and keep his hands warm. (During the Korean War be enlisted in the Marines with a bunch of his buddies right after high school.)


14, 21



Just because someone is an a-hole it doesn’t mean they’re wrong.


17, 21



Roll-play confrontational situations so they can practice staying calm, not reacting in situations like road-rage, bullies, being screamed at by a boss or a customer.


11, 15, 17



Get at least 2, preferably 3 estimates on any major expenses for home or car.


21



Attend a Pride parade.


9



Learn what triggers you. It’s probably just two or three things. Work on your issues


14, 18. 21



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


19, 21



“1883” Season 1 episode 6 has one of my favorite scenes about grief. “When you love someone you trade souls with them. Part of them lives in you and part of you lives with them. When they die, part of you dies with them. But a part of them lives in you.” Beautiful thought.


17, 21



Check your ego. Often.


17, 21



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



Ditch the serving bowls, plates, tablecloth and utensils. Cover middle of table in tinfoil for the food. Give each kid a tinfoil placemat in lieu of a plate. Let them eat with their fingers. (Works great with spaghetti, chicken, ribs, shrimp, etc. Try it with ice-cream and cake for a birthday party!


3-6



What do you think about the word “refugee?” Let’s talk about what it means. Personally, I don’t understand all the complexities of immigration policy, but I figure anyone who escapes violence and walks hundreds of miles with kids in tow, trying to get to safety and gain an opportunity for a better life for their family can live next-door to me anytime.


13



Psalm 37:3 “Do good and trust in the Lord.” That pretty much covers it.


9, 15, 21



Your brain seeks novelty. Try new things as long as you live. Take risks (but not safety risks!)


20



"Discipline is helping a child solve a problem. Punishment is making a child suffer for having a problem. To raise problem solvers, focus on solutions, not retribution.”- L.R KNost


2-15



Read everything Brene Brown ever wrote.


20



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


14, 20



Use timers to motivate and structure. "Better have your jammies on and teeth brushed by the time the timer goes off!" Using a simple timer helps things not drag on and on.


2-5



Slip and Slide party!


8



Spend time with people you admire, in person and biographies, documentaries, novels and movies.


14-17, 21



Summer concerts at Wolftrap- get good seats so they can really get a sense of the experience.


13-16



Do the work. No short-cuts.


14



My Nana, born around 1913, used to decry “some people think the world owes them a living.” A hundred years later I agree. Nothing worse than entitlement.


13, 15, 21



Sometimes, no matter how great a thing is it can’t make up for what it’s not.


14, 19, 21



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



Staying calm while under pressure or when you could scream in frustration - that is most of the battle. Sometimes the fact that you stayed calm qualifies as a win.


16, 21



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



Never open someone else's mail, or listen to their conversation, etc. If it's not your business to know, don't snoop.


14-21