Never make a decision from a place of hopelessness.


14, 16, 21



Google earth app means there's always a globe at hand. Point out states, countries or oceans when we hear about them.


4-9



Look for answers where truth, laughter, kindness, beauty, compassion and love are found. (Not in outward appearances or illusions of perfection. Not in cynicism, apathy or destructiveness.)


10, 13, 16, 19, 21



Sometimes we outgrow relationships. It’s no one’s fault. It’s okay to move on. You’ve grown…Don’t abandon your healthier self for a relationship.


14, 16,



It's natural to avoid change. Try to learn to accept change, embrace it if you can! Change is good. :)


15



Dress to people will listen to you, not look at you. (This is especially true at school and work.)


15, 18, 21



"The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world." - Paul Farmer


15, 21



Kids Can Make a Difference is a great resource for teaching little kids about poverty and equality.


6-10



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


11-14



"Surround yourself with people who trust and get YOU." - Josh Groban, High Point University 2018 commencement address. Note, I love that quote because it speaks to having a tribe, a close group of friends. But it's also important to surround yourself with people who challenge you, who may not agree with you or have the same perspective as you do.


14-19



Keep stuff on hand for guests. Be ready to be a good host / hostess at any moment.


16-21



Consensual sex requires no persuasion, convincing or begging.


14, 17



Dating advice: If they like you, you’re gonna know. If they don’t, you’re gonna be confused.”


16, 21



Appreciate other cultures when traveling or interacting among people from different cultures. Once on a mission trip, the locals brought coffee and cookies by in the afternoons, but I never took any. I regret that lost opportunity for connection.


14, 18, 21



Promise me you’ll never intentionally hurt anyone (including yourself.) There’s no need to suffer in silence, I will help you or get you to someone who can help you no matter what, no matter when, no matter why.


13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18



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


19, 21



Google the “tea metaphor” for a discussion about consent.


17



Go out of your way to part on good terms whenever possible, in all circumstances.


18



Just let a sweet moment be. There’s a time for jokes or small talk, but sometimes silence is best.


15,21



Let’s look for examples of bravery.


8



Help him write a letter to someone in power if he has a question or concern about something he sees going on in the world.


7-11



When you’re older, remember that stuff like video games, alcohol, junk food, gambling, porn, and a whole host of other vices can turn on you, and become an addiction that wrecks your health, relationships or even your life. You don’t have to give up all this stuff, but keep them to a minimum. How often and how much is a big difference. It’s the difference between meeting a friend for a beer or two and walking into work hungover most days. Remember: You decide- How often and how much.


13, 16, 19



It’s not a project, it’s a practice. (Health, fitness, keeping up with current events, prayer or meditation, housework, reading, etc.)


16



If you’re waiting on someone to change for the relationship to work, it’s not gonna work. Love ‘em or leave ‘em. But forget trying to change them. (Same works in reverse. If someone wants you to change something about yourself before they commit, don’t walk away…RUN!)


14, 18, 21



Letting go hurts. There's no two ways about it. You just gotta feel it and get through it. Cry. Sweat it out. Sing, run, write, or just scrub floors. You will get through it, and you will be stronger and more compassionate.


14



There’s always a temptation to throw money at your problem. But remember there’s nothing you can buy that will make up for what is really needed. And the stuff that accumulates while you try to fix the problem just ends up being a problem on its own.


14, 19



Train for a mini-triathlon together as a family this year.


12



At dinner time, go around the table and share your “highs and lows” for the day. (Re-ticket up to 21)


5