People want to be heard. Listen to your clients, even when they're upset. Don't make excuses or anything, just let them talk. They mostly just want to be heard. Once they're calm, you can solve the problem.


21



When I say I want you to be happy I’m not talking about pleasure and ease. I mean purpose and pride you in yourself, meaningful work, and a solid group of friends and family who loves you for who you are, so you don’t ever have to pretend to be something you’re not.


21



Sometimes there’s nothing else to do with the pain except to use it to build a new life.


13. 17, 19, 21



Read or listen to The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest.


17, 21



Begin again. Whether by choice or necessity, sometimes there’s no other option.


15, 21



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


17, 19, 21



Listen to Celebrate Calm podcasts for help dealing with defiance.


4, 9, 15



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


15, 18, 21



Let decency be like a religion to you. Practice it …but don’t preach it.


14



Kids (and people of all ages) need attention, affection and appreciation. It’s not all they need, but it’s a start!


11



Be kinder than necessary.


9, 15, 21



Learn how to sail together


12-15



Don't let the laundry pile up. This lessons extends to pretty much every chore: Stay ahead of it and you won't get crushed by it.


17



Don’t confuse impulsive with courageous.


10, 14, 19, 21



Getting your drivers license will depend not only on government requirements (age, passing tests, etc.) but also maturity and trustworthiness.


14



Put your purse, (wallet,bag, phone, or shoe) in the backseat with the baby. Unattended babies die every day and it’s my worst nightmare.


Infant-3, 21



Toddler not interested in food? Hand them a random kitchen gadget to play with while you’re feeding them dinner, they’ll eat more if distracted.


1,2



Fire drills. Practice what to do, where to go if the house is on fire. Have an escape plan.


5-10



Great message about not letting people hurt you just because they have painful scars. Their scars aren’t yours to heal, and you deserve to be treated well. Very well. https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPd2beHxu/


15, 21



Spread kindness like confetti.


12, 21



Let them borrow your calm. Little ones (grownups too) sometimes just need to freak out a bit. Stay there. Be near. Don’t judge or even help. Just be there, and stay calm. Your loving energy is all they need as they work through it themselves. Keep them safe but other than that don’t help or advise unless they ask.


2-6, 17, 21



Mindset for a breakup: “I’d rather adjust to your absence than be continually frustrated by your presence.” Can work with romantic partners, jobs, habits...anything you’re hanging on to that you know you should let go of.


19



Make a pound of ground beef go further by adding chopped cabbage or mushrooms.


19



Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Who, Lynyard Skynard. Listen with headphones, listen alone, listen with friends. So many more good bands but if you start with these you’ll be well on your way.


15, 17, 21



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


21



Toddlers fall... a lot. Most falls are harmless but sometimes bad accidents happen. Head injuries are scary because they bleed and swell. If bleeding doesn't stop within a few minutes or you can see it's a big gash, head to the urgent care. And remember if the swelling goes out (“goose egg”) that’s a good thing: Better out than in.


2



Let's all go on a "complaining diet." See how long we can go without a complaint for a weekend. Repeat often.


9-15



Whatever you choose to do, do it well and there will always be a demand for you. (Quoting Adam Schiff from his book “Midnight in Washington.”


16



Plan a trip to Disney this year.


6



You are always responsible for how you act, no matter what you’re feeling. (Or whether you’re drunk or in any way impaired.) Hammer this point home for the next 10 years!


13