It’s possible (even common) to feel conflicting emotions simultaneously. You can be glad you’re not with a girl and still be jealous if she finds a new love. You can be glad you’ve moved on and still miss what once was. You can be sad that something happened and grateful for something that came of it. Humans are complex. Two or more conflicting thoughts can exist in our heads at once. It’s not a betrayal or a character flaw.


17



The opposite of depression is expression.


15



Action is the antithesis of anxiety.


18



Best take on parenting: “My kid is never gonna not feel safe with me.”


1, 5, 10, 15



Be extra careful when you’re parking or pulling out of a driveway. It’s hard to see little kids or pets.


16



Relationships can end beautifully and bravely. They’re not all going to be forever. It’s much better to grieve the end of a relationship than to endure an unhealthy one.


15, 19, 21



Frustrated with school or work? It bothers you because you care or you hurt. That’s human.


14



Talk about “don’t judge a book by its cover.” People come in all shapes, sizes, appearances. “Clean cut” is an outdated and misleading notion. Be open to who people are on the inside, they’re pretty amazing if you give the a chance.


9



Zootopia is a good movie to illustrate what a bully is and how we should stand up to them when they are hurting or taunting other kids.


5-8



You are not your thoughts. Focus more on your choices / actions.


17



Just do the next right thing. One step at a time, you’ll get there.


13, 18, 21



Read “Lighter” by Yung Pueblo. Read it every year.


17, 19, 21



Sometimes I think the best way to take care of them is to teach them to take care of others: Littler kids, sick or disabled, those who’ve been left out.


5-7, 1Infant-12



Read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book on creativity. Re-read every few years!


17



Check out the Wolf Trap Children's summer theater.


4-11



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



Learn to tie knots.


10



Don’t confuse impulsive with courageous.


10, 14, 19, 21



Things are rarely black and white. Most situations (and all people) are complex. A nuanced approach is necessary to understand them. You can’t learn - or love, if you’re judging.


17



Some people think the world owes THEM. They have a backwards. We are servants. How can we best serve?


12-21



Respect people’s privacy. No snooping, eavesdropping, peeping, etc.


11



No dating while unstable. Being responsible for someone’s heart means being prepared to treat them with respect at all times, regardless of whether they make you angry, jealous, annoyed, rejected, humiliated or heartbroken. If (a) you don’t think those things could happen or (b) think there’s a reasonable chance you’d lose your temper, then you’re not ready. And that’s okay! You’ll get there in your own time. In the meantime stay off the market.


12, 14, 16, 18, 21



If you witness a moment of vulnerability in someone, keep it to yourself. Be respectful of people's dignity.


14-18



Keep going. Push yourself. The struggle makes it all the more worth it.


17, 21



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


7-14



Sioux Nation quote: No one heals himself by wounding another.


16



Never post a pic to social media that you wouldn't want Grandma to see. NEVER send or ask to receive naked pictures. It's tacky, gross, illegal and not worth it. Even if "everyone does it". It's rude and disrespectful.


11-13, 18



Alcoholism and gambling addiction run in our family. Be very, very careful around booze and gambling.


14,16, 18, 21



Consider the source. When you get information, look at where or who it’s coming from. Do you trust them? Are they an expert? When someone criticizes you. Do they know why they’re talking about and are they taking chances themselves. Pay no attention to hecklers.


15