Watch awards shows (Oscars, Grammy's, Tony's, ESPY's, Image Awards and CNN Heroes awards.) Be a part of your times, appreciate others' accomplishments. Be inspired.


8-18



Book: “victory. Stand!” By Tommie Smith


14



You don’t have to choose to be single forever to enjoy being single for now.


17, 21



There’s a big difference between being tired and being fatigued.


19



Just focus on shining on your own terms. Your shine is not dependent on anyone or anything else.


15



At the hospital? Always confirm your name and date of birth and why you’re there.


16



If it makes you happy it doesn't have to make sense to anyone else.


11, 14, 20



I like to say a Hail Mary just to join the chorus, to add my voice to the millions who are praying in that moment. The world has plenty of people thinking or doing horrible things, we need to add to the good, add to the beauty as much as possible at every turn. Saying a quick prayer is sometimes all I can muster.


9-19



Pick an issue. One single issue, i.e. the economy or the environment or coverage of a certain event such as a crime or a sport season. Read at least one newspaper article on that topic every day. NYT, London Times etc.


14, 15, 16, 21



Everyone gets crushes but if you’re having an imaginary relationship do so with an imaginary person. It’s disrespectful of someone’s dignity to obsess over them. Not to mention your own dignity!


12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 21



Don’t waste your life’s purpose worrying about what other people think about you.


12, 15, 21



Mackinac Island trip


10



Sex is something you do *with* someone, not *to* them. It should never be about scoring or bragging. It doesn’t make you a man. A man is someone who respects himself and others


13-17



Keep difficult conversations brief. Under ten minutes then table it so everyone can process.


13, 14, 16. 19, 21



Talk about how choices become habits. Habits can become addictions. Describe how pathways are literally dug into the brain and it's very hard to change them once those paths are made.


13-16



Love isn’t enough but it’s a great start.


21



vaccinate! Science is good.


0, 1, 2, 3, 5



On days when you wake up tired, sick or just not ready to deal with the morning, just get up and take a shower. Turn up the music. Rally!


17-21



Not knowing what you’re doing is a lot less terrifying than not knowing who to trust.


14, 19, 21



You’re someone’s cup of tea. I don’t mean there is only one person out there for you, I mean someone is waiting to love you exactly how you are. Stop wasting time with fools who want to change you to fit their ideal.


15, 19, 21



Look into going to college abroad. Research international universities. Spain, Netherlands, etc.


15, 16



Just put your best foot forward and get on with it!


14, 17, 21



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


15



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


13-16



Are you proud of the work you did today? Were you respectful and kind? Did you tell the truth and look out for the little ones? If so, I’m happy. I don’t care one bit about grades.


5



Teach tuck to drive


15



The thing about behavior is that if you practice you get better. That goes for good behavior and bad behavior. The more you lie, cheat, etc. the better u get. Decide What kind of behavior you want to be good at and then practice practice


7



Small joys are what gets you through big grief.


14, 18, 21



“Be brave. Be resilient. Be kind. Be grateful.” -Hillary Rodham Clinton


12