People have big feelings when they realize how unjust and unfair the world can be. Totally natural and healthy. The problem starts when they channel those feelings into destructive actions and beliefs: violence, war, crime and hatred. We will be so much better off if we can learn to deal with our collective and individual pain in a way that is therapeutic and constructive. Maybe we can help each other to be creative in the face of fear, grief, pain, anxiety, anger, betrayal, injustice.


14, 16, 19, 21



It’s your civic duty to vote (including midterms!) Be an informed voter.


16, 18



It's a skill to learn how to love people the way they need to be loved. I highly recommend reading the Five Love Languages.


18, 21



There will be some losses or changes that completely shake you to the core. But remember that some bad experiences are like pooping your pants - Totally horrible but also kind of a relief.


19



Writing is thinking.


14, 17. 21



Worst thing in the world is spending your life with the wrong person.


21



Trust yourself.


20



Thinking of asking her out? Want to apply for a job that sounds great? Remember you start off at “No.” You currently do not have a date with her. If you ask and she says no, you’ve lost nothing.


15, 17, 21



Ask smart questions. More importantly, ask stupid questions! So many people are afraid of looking stupid that they totally fake understanding. Even in the very highest levels of career and society. Ask basic questions if something doesn’t make sense. Start at a kindergarten level understanding of a concept then build on it.


15, 20



“Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you see with your own eyes isn’t happening.” -English teacher Read Diary of Anne Frank together.


12



When disciplining remember: First acknowledge the emotion, then address the behavior.


2-4, 13, 15



1

Be generous in all things. That is my hope for you.


14, 18, 21



1

You may lose a relationship but you keep the love. It becomes a part of you. It changes you for the better.


15, 19, 21



Don’t be afraid of work.


12, 17, 21



You’re getting stronger by the day. Use your strength to protect, never to intimidate. Abusers and bullies are cowards and just the worst of men.


14, 17, 21



No threats, not even jokingly.


15



Challenge: Memorize and recite The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus.


10



Visit the Grand Canyon together


18-21



Give him a copy of The Secret Lives of Great Composers by Elizabeth Lunday.


14



When you’re tired, the next best thing to sleep is a shower.


16



Your body and brain are always trying to protect you.


17



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


15



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, 15, 21



Surround yourself with people and ideas that inspire you and captivate you. Life is too short for destructive relationships.


13, 18



Chemistry is not the same thing as compatibility.


16, 19, 21



Plastic stackable dresser - 5 drawers labeled for days of the week. Put outfits in each. No drama emergencies on school days, the week’s wardrobe is planned out.


5



Read Prefontaine.


13



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


12



Some relationships (or jobs) are f*cked, and cannot be unf*cked. Release them and move on.


21



Give them the book Starfish by Lisa Fipps.


12, 14