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


9



Happiness comes from giving and helping, not buying and having.


14, 19



Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower.”


14



Introduction to 70’s Southern Rock. Skynyrd, Allman Bros, etc.


14



Watch “The Sandlot” together. Great story about friendship and showing up for each other.


8



You’re gonna want to quit, many times. Whether it’s a job, a marriage, a degree, a cause… whatever. I have no way of knowing whether or not you should quit, just know that feeling like you want to quit is normal when you hit a setback or disappointment, or rejection or betrayal. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to feel that way forever. Sometimes it’s best to cut your losses, sometimes it’s better to stick it out. Treat yourself with patience and compassion while you consider what’s best.


14, 17, 21



Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength.


13, 21



Learn how to sail together


12-15



You can’t hit ‘em all outta the park. Some days (dates, reviews, vacations, report cards, etc.) are just going to fall flat. No worries, the next one will be better.


15, 19



When you feel hopeless that’s when you know it’s time to seek help. It’s a red flag in someone’s demeanor. Notify parents if you notice this feeling of deep despair in yourself or someone you know. Help really does help.


13, 15, 17, 19, 21



Meditation isn’t about a quiet mind, it’s about training a distracted mind to remain in the present. Focus on your breathing for one minute (set a timer.) Every time your thoughts wonder, gently bring your focus back to your breath. You may have to do this 10, 20, 30 or more times during those 60 seconds…but eventually you’ll get better. When you do, increase to two minutes, then five, all the way up to 30 minutes or even an hour.


16



Paint rocks with pictures or kind messages and find public places to leave them where they can hide in plain site. See RockOurWorldArt.


8-11



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


12, 15, 21



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


15-18



“Human beings are linked, not ranked.” - Gloria Steinem (f*ck the patriarchy)


15



Biographies: Be inspired.


12



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



Read (or listen to) The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw together as a family. It's broken up into small vignettes so it's easy to get through bit by bit.


15



Shampoo their hair. Nice luxurious shampoo. It’s a treat. In “5 Love Languages” speak, its an act of service and physical touch.


5, 7, 9, 12



Plan a trip someplace where we can see the Northern Lights.


15



Always remember - cheesecake is the best cake.


21



“When you are not fed love off a silver spoon you will learn to lick it off of knives.” Lauren Eden (poet)


0, 20



Teach them that when we hear sirens it means someone is in trouble but help is on the way.


2-5



I highly recommend you read The Crane Wife by CJ Houser.


15, 17, 19, 21



Hike Jones Run Falls at Shenandoah National Park.


11



What problem do you want to solve in the world?


1Infant-14



Emphasize "First things first." Distraction is always a challenge. Redirect focus to first things first.


5



Be willing to say “I don’t know” if you don’t know! Don’t just make stuff up.


15, 20



A mommy-friend of mine gave me some good advice: "Count the wins." So what if you didn't clean the house, you showered! So what if she's wearing 9 different colors - she dressed herself! Great advice. So remember, especially on the difficult days - and there will be many: Count the wins.


1



Don’t play hard to get. Be hard to earn.


16, 21