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


7, 11, 14, 19. 21



take advantage of the bike trail. Bike places as a family.


11



Check out Long Lake Summer Camp in NY. Theater, the arts, etc.


12, 13, 14, 15, 16



General rule for health and happiness: avoid excess.


10, 14, 17, 21



Some things just don’t come easy. That’s the point. Practice working for what you want. Nothing is sweeter than when you accomplish something you set out to do. Go for it!


11, 14, 17, 21



Most brilliant TED talk I ever saw on living authentically. Step one: decide what you don’t give a f*ck about. Step two: don’t give a f*ck about those things. Always be kind and polite but never be sorry for not giving a $@!#% about stuff you don’t give a $@!#% about.


14, 21



You’ve been entrusted with so much. Think about how much of an honor that is, and how big a responsibility.


16, 18, 21



Rock those babies to sleep as often as you can.


0, 1, 2



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


15, 17, 19, 21



Share Brene Brown's short video on Empathy vs. Sympathy: Be the bear, not the goat. Fantastic 3 minute video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw&feature=youtu.be


12, 14, 18, 21



YouTube Hank Green “Study Hall.” It talks about navigating the mess of college and career choices, like choosing a major (and what a major is!) What interests align with which majors, etc.


12, 15, 16



People want to be heard. Listen to your clients, even when they're upset. Don't make excuses or anything, just let them talk. They mostly just want to be heard. Once they're calm, you can solve the problem.


21



A person’s friends are a reflection of their character. Pick friends who you can be yourself around. Look for partners who have close friendships, a circle of friends who think highly of them.


14, 17, 21



Let's find little ways to practice self-control and build that muscle.


11



“Tell me the story of your day.” (Works better than “how was your day?”


5, 6, 10



You don’t have to choose to be single forever to enjoy being single for now.


17, 21



Send thank you acknowledgemnt for gifts received


1-21



Read the Hobbit aloud with him. Afterward, encourage him to read The Lord of the Rings by himself.


9



Dating advice: If they like you, you’re gonna know. If they don’t, you’re gonna be confused.”


16, 21



Read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book on creativity. Re-read every few years!


17



Work Hard. Do your best. Keep your word. Never get too big for your britches. Trust in God. Have no fear


15, 21



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


13-16



A simple trick to calm your nerves: Name 5 things you can hear right now.


5-15



Kids (and people of all ages) need attention, affection and appreciation. It’s not all they need, but it’s a start!


11



It’s hard to accept that the world can be so cruel and unfair, but sometimes accepting it and focusing on what part of it you CAN change is - I’ve learned - the key.


15



Sometimes our bodies can betray us. Something goes wrong and healthy cells are replaced with broken cells: Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, auto-immune diseases, etc. Mental health can become diseased too: Depression, anxiety, compulsive behavior, suicidal thoughts. The very good news is that good medical care is available for all of these things. That, along with the love and support of family and friends helps our bodies to heal. Physical illness is obvious. Sometimes people keep their mental pain a secret. Please promise me you’ll never keep any pain you’re going through a secret.


13



Explain the concept: "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."


6



Remember to $@!#% the switch when you’re stuck: If you’re all up in your head, sad or anxious, do something physical. If you’re down with a physical problem, dive into your mind for diversion and healing.


11,14, 17, 21



There is all kinds of darkness in the world- disease, accidents, natural disasters, etc. But the worst darknesses are man made: War, violence, poverty, injustice, indifference. Push back against all of it as much as you can. Light will beat the darkness in the end. Fight on the side of the light. Love, truth, beauty, creativity, connection and compassion.


20