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


21



“People speak of hope as if it is this delicate, ephemeral thing made of whispers and spider's webs. It's not. Hope has dirt on her face, blood on her knuckles, the grit of the cobblestones in her hair, and just spat out a tooth as she rises for another go.” -unknown


17, 19, 21



Procrastinating is an Olympic sport for those of us with ADHD. Talk about ways to get “unstuck.” 1. Change your body - move to a different room or take a walk. 2. If you can’t move your body, move your focus. 3. Ask your brain how it’s trying to help you by paralyzing you. 4. Take deep breaths and let go of the shame and self-doubt you feel for getting stuck.


8, 9, 10, 14, 21



Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman" speech.


10



“The flower does not dream of the bee. It blossoms


15



Ask the question “What are you doing when you feel most like yourself?”


16



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


10, 12, 16



Spend time with people you admire, in person and biographies, documentaries, novels and movies.


14-17, 21



Hold fast to what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)


10, 15, 21



Pedestrians get hit all the time. Be aware when you’re driving OR walking. Wear reflective gear if walking at night. Stay off your phone when driving OR walking.


15



“Just because you think it doesn’t mean it’s true. Your brain’s a little b*^tch and likes to lie to you.” -Elyse Myers


13, 21



“You belong in every room you enter.” - Shonda Rhymes


6-21



Give your all on the job, from your first day to your last day there. If you’re all caught up on your work help someone else with theirs.


17, 21



Being numb is not the same thing as being happy.


15-18



It’s fine, great, to be thrifty. But please don’t be cheap. Hard-earned money should neither be squandered or hoarded. Enjoy your success! But save more than you’re comfortable with. It’s like my running coach used to say: Keep going until you feel like you’re gonna poop your pants, then push yourself to do another mile. Point is, it should hurt a little.


16, 21



Respect people’s privacy. No snooping, eavesdropping, peeping, etc.


11



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


21



Try using “No doesn’t tell me your needs” when toddler / little kid disobeys. “Were you trying to be funny? Do you need a minute?”


3



Read Big Magic by Liz Gilbert. Re-read every 5-10 years.


19, 21



Practice “doing without” (or “going without.”). Even young kids can learn the concept. Nobody get everything they want. Sometimes it’s harder than others, but it’s not the end of the world when we have to do without something we want.


4-11



Go easy on the cologne, perfume, scented lotions, etc. People shouldn't be able to smell your perfume a mile away, only up close. Also, it's generally not appropriate for work.


17



The only thing that matters is love. When we live with love - for God, for others and ourselves, that is what makes life worth living.


16



Sleep paralysis runs in the family. If you ever feel like you’re awake but you can’t move - don’t panic. It will pass in a minute. It’s just a lag time in your sleep/wake cycle.


20



Your spouse will be absolutely unbearable roughly 10% of the time. So will you be, by the way. Give grace. Receive it too. Also, physical distance helps, even for a few hours.


21



Talk about how to act respectfully and be inclusive of children with disabilities and facial deformities, etc.


5-10



Practice road-rage roll playing. People are NUTS! It's hard to imagine how you'll react when someone gets aggressive with you. Let's practice staying calm when someone is shouting and in your face.


15-17



People don’t abandon people they love, they abandon people they’re using.


19, 21



Born To Dance has lessons and also does birthday parties. A dance class is a good way to get up and out of the house on Saturday mornings during the winter months. It'll be fun at this age - while he's still young enough to enjoy it without being self-conscious. Also a good way to get exercise before he's ready for organized sports.


4-5



George Lucas’ documentaries on WWI, Russian Revolution, etc.YouTube Lucas Films.


14, 17