You remember experiences, connections. Not stuff. Don’t get too caught up in stuff.


12, 15, 17, 21



Let's talk about what armor you choose. People use all kinds of props and attitudes to try to protect or soothe themselves. Often it's that armor that ends up being much worse than the scary problems they were trying to avoid in the first place. Developing a healthy set of armor is crucial. Let's talk about some healthy ways to make ourselves feel better. Reference Brene Brown wholeheartedness.


12-16



Pray for the courage to be yourself.


10, 13, 15, 17, 21



Songs hit so much different (better) when you read the lyrics while listening. Headphones help heighten the experience too.


12, 14, 19, 21



Anything you wear on purpose is fashion.


14, 19, 21



Before a play date or sleepover ask the parent “Are there any unlocked guns in the house?”


6-9



Sometimes you don’t know what to do, can’t figure out what’s the right direction for you. That’s okay. Try thinking about what you *don’t* want to do. (See John Cusack career plans speech in 1989 movie “Say Anything.”


11, 16, 19, 21



Read Prefontaine.


13



When you’re trying to make a positive change and you get sidetracked- don’t fret. Get right back to it as soon as possible. If you backslide into a bad habit, or blow your diet, etc. start back eating right with your next meal (not the next year/ month/week or even next day.) It’s not the falling off the wagon that hurts your progress, it’s the STAYING off the wagon. Everyone flubs-up sometimes. Don’t quit striving toward your goal because you slipped up. Get right back to it!!


14, 17, 21



If they like you you’ll know. If they don’t you’ll be confused.


15, 21



Ask him to memorize and recite William Ernest Henley poem “Invictus” as a Christmas present for me.


15



Universal Studios


12-18



Check out Harmonia School on Mill St Music Art Theatre


6



You don’t have to like everyone you go to school with, or work with. You don’t even have to like your family! BUT, you have to treat everyone with respect and kindness. They are worthy of that no matter what your opinion of them may be.


15, 21



Start saving for retirement with your very first paycheck. Put away the MAX, you’ll never miss it. If the company doesn’t offer 401k then we’ll open a Roth IRA.


18



Talk about the difference between not feeling comfortable and not feeling safe.


7, 11, 14, 19. 21



“The next generation never learns anything from the previous one until it’s brought home like a hammer.” - Harry Truman


13, 16, 21



Theme this year: Self Control (Repeat every year until age 99)


6



Google earth app means there's always a globe at hand. Point out states, countries or oceans when we hear about them.


4-9



Go to Planet Word and do the Lexicon Lane puzzle experience.


12



“Enthusiasm is the answer to everything.” - Rodrigo’s father


15, 21



Google the “tea metaphor” for a discussion about consent.


17



Listen to the radio stations they listen to. Know their favorite songs and artists.


12



Everybody emits energy. What sort of energy do you want to put out into the universe? Your thoughts, actions, prayers, struggles, laughter, etc. that’s all you. Your energy is all your own. Spend some time thinking about what kind of aura to want to have.


17



101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest. Listen to it yearly!


16, 17, 18, 19, 21



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


19, 21



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


15



Play up your strengths. What are your strengths? What are you really good at or love doing?


13, 17, 21



Like Cindy Crawford said, "I eat anything I want … I just don't eat as much as I want." Be mindful of portions. No need to eliminate the junk food but keep it to a minimum.


17, 21



Let’s talk about hungry kids. What can we do to help? Donate? Volunteer? Start a Little Free Pantry?


9



1