Go to College results. Org to look at graduation rates. How likely is a rising freshman at that school to stick it out and graduate in 4 years? HUGE variation, it should factor in their decision.


16



I don’t remember much about my grandmother (Marie) but I recall her hands. Her ring fingers had a funny curve to them, bowed in a little at the top. My ring fingers do the same thing. I think of her every time I notice it.


19



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


12-21



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


15,21



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


1, 5, 10, 15



Thomas Jefferson’s Ten Rules of Conduct. This makes a good exercise for penmanship or for writing “lines” as instructional punishment.


11



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



Replace “but” with “and.” “I love you but...” Becomes “I love you and that’s why...” etc.


9



Be mindful of privilege. Discuss the concept, point it out where you see it.


11-18



It’s okay to not understand things. Just be sure the only place your ignorance leads you is to education.


15, 19



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


16



If you don’t know where to begin, picture where you want it to end, and work it backwards.


15, 21



Find what you love Do what you love Be what you love Live what you love Love what you love and never look back ... Except to love.


19



Sometimes you just have to let go. Let go of a relationship, or a dream, or plans. Let go of a person, a pet, or an object. It's hard. It takes a lot of trust. Trust the Lord will heal the wound, no matter how deep. His goodness is infinite.


16



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



Avoid bird seed or pet food near your home. It attracts mice, rats, ticks, etc. keep bird feeders that use seed a good distance from the house. Try liquid feeders near windows. Or use a feed tray or hulled seeds (little waste.)


20



Don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.


16



Adopting a “do it right now” mentality has done wonders for my organization


10, 12, 16



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


13-16



Being well-read is better (and cheaper) than an advanced degree, especially for broader education. Stay curious and read!! Fiction, non-fiction, biographies ...


15, 18, 21



Listen to The Moth (storytelling) together.


15



Visit the Grand Canyon together


18-21



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



Slip and Slide party!


8



I love the quote “The call towards authenticity is sacred” by Paula S. Williams I think it means that a few things: Being called. We are called by something higher to grow and stretch, to evolve. That evolution is a journey that should be undertaken with humility, compassion and love. To impede one’s quest to be authentic, be it our own or another’s, is a grave injustice and should be avoided at all cost.


13-17, 21



Be appreciative of people’s time. Send thank you notes after interviewing and applying for jobs, scholarships, etc. even if you don’t get picked. It’s common courtesy and it’s a good way to make a good impression for next time.


18, 20



Take the family on periodic “spending fasts.” As an exercise, go a day, a weekend or a week without spending any money. Make due with what you have. Encourage participation. Tie in spending fasts with holidays, lent or in support of a cause.


7



“You have to meet people where they are. Sometimes, you have to leave them there.” -Iyanla Vanzant


21



Considering taking meds for your mental health but concerned about the side effects? Consider the side effects of *not* taking them! Meds don’t turn you into someone you’re not, they lift the murky fog around your brain so you can be more yourself. It’s the depression that changes you. Meds just help you get rid of the fog.


18, 21



Teach them what to do if they hit an animal while driving on the road. (First find out what you’re supposed to do, THEN teach them.)


16