When he comes to you and tells you he’s in trouble, stay calm. Ask “How can I help you?” Figure it out together. No matter how old he is, he needs to know you’re on his side. There will be time for lessons and consequences, etc. But first, help.


7, 12, 15, 21



We all want to be liked. But consider what you’re willing to *not* be liked for: If things like kindness and loyalty and being genuinely yourself *cost* you friends, is that a bad thing? Were they really friends then? Try not to do or say anything simply out of a desire to be liked.


11, 13, 16, 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

My favorite version of myself is when I’m not worried about what others think of me. I


11, 13, 15, 17, 21



When it comes to conflict- what is your part in things?


15, 21



Plan trip to Bush Gardens late September


5



Start playing Jokers and Marbles. Get it on Amazon or Etsy.


9



There’s a difference between looking cool and being cool. A person who wants to look cool is trying to impress other people. A person who is actually cool is true to himself /herself. Dress how it makes YOU happy! And fun fact, it’s those people who are the most well-liked because they sort of give others permission to be themselves…and everyone wants to be seen and liked for who they really are. So if you want to be popular remember three things: Be kind. Be yourself. Don’t judge


12,15



Don’t feed the thing you’re fighting.


13, 17, 21



It’s okay if you don’t know how (or don’t want) to move on. Start with something easier…just don’t go back.


16



I hope you become more of yourself with every passing year. I love you so.


21



Jazz in the Garden free outdoor concerts at National Gallery of Art. Fridays during summer months.


7



Don’t be afraid of work.


12, 17, 21



Grandpa used to describe injuries and medical procedures as “It’s a nothin.” I think of this every time I have to endure something painful.


14, 18



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


11-14



You don’t have to lower your standards, just lower your walls.


12, 15, 21



Numbing doesn’t work. Let it hurt, let it heal, then it lets itself go.


15,21



There is a cost and a duty to everything we own. Rachel Maddow


16



There is all kinds of darkness in the world- disease, accidents, natural disasters, etc. But the worst darknesses are man made: War, violence, poverty, injustice, indifference. Push back against all of it as much as you can. Light will beat the darkness in the end. Fight on the side of the light. Love, truth, beauty, creativity, connection and compassion.


20



Changed behavior is the only real apology.


15



Always keep a can of WD-40 in the house.


21



open your own business


20



Institute “Family Night” a screen-free night of games and fun and togetherness. Can use these times for conversations about things you want to address / teach. Maybe make theme nights and build around a lesson so it’s fun and enjoyable. Continue through school years.


4-6



“Write hard and clear about what hurts.” - Ernest Hemingway


12, 15, 21



Special occasion gift idea: put a video together of a ton of friends and family wishing them the best. Maybe it’s graduation, or wedding or big move, or for when she’s in labor, etc. Ask friends and family to film a short video of encouragement/congratulations/support/advice/etc.


17, 20, 21



Be the kind of man that people feel safe around. Safe from harm, safe from judgment and safe from ridicule.


17



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


15-18



“If we could see our prayers we would never stop praying.” - Bunmi Laditan, by way of her angel.


11, 17



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


12-15, 21