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


17



If car breaks down, if at all possible, avoid pulling over on the highway. Get off the highway and pull to safety.


16



When it comes to conflict- what is your part in things?


15, 21



It’s hard to want something and not have it. Kids have to learn how to sit with that.


3-17



Sometimes the job will require you to do menial tasks. Do them enthusiastically because nothing is “beneath you.” If the good Lord can wash people’s feet, you can make coffee at the office. Get over yourself.


16, 21



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


15



Piano


21



People learn all sorts of different ways. I found I learn best by repetition (drills) especially true for skills. And by listening for studying. Recording my lectures in college made a huge difference in my ability to learn and retain material. Let’s find what works for you.


14, 17



If you don’t know where to begin, picture where you want it to end, and work it backwards.


15, 21



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


10



Learn to recognize invitations from the Lord - invitations to look at beauty. Invitations for compassion, for learning and for love.


9-15



Model good nutrition and fitness routine.


4



Universal Studios


12-18



Build a treehouse together


8



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



"Make yourself proud." Teach them to take pride in themselves - in their work, their behavior. Everything from a 3 year-old making her bed to a 10 year-old's homework. If they learn to keep going until they're satisfied it's done well, they won't need us to keep after them.


4



Keep stuff on hand for guests. Be ready to be a good host / hostess at any moment.


16-21



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


21



It’s okay to take a beat, a pause before you answer: “Hold on, let me think about how this is going to work...” I’ve seen a lot of mistakes or loss of confidence in an employee because they just blurted out a guess or starting off in the wrong direction only to have to go back- just because the plan hadn’t been thought through. It only takes a minute.


15, 18, 20



Check into Brilliant.org for STEM activities.


12



“We don’t see the world as it is, we see the world as we are. - Prince Harry Or to put it simply, wherever you go, there you are.


12, 15, 21



Go to movie Star Wars


12



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


5, 6, 10



There will be many times in your life you feel powerless. What makes you feel powerful? For me, it's a good run, listening to good music with the volume on high. Prayer reminds me I'm connected to God, who is powerful beyond all measure.


14-17



Get talking. Trade off likes, fears, hopes, dreams, pet peeves, etc. I like... I get mad when... I dream about... It makes me sad when I see... I’m afraid of... I wonder about...


4, 8, 14



Plan a neighborhood "Winter Olympics" for snow days. Create indoor and outdoor events.


8



Educate yourself. You can't solve a problem if you don't understand it.


14-21



Don’t ask for anything until you’ve done what has been asked of you.


5



When you meet someone for the first time try to clear your mind of any assumptions about physical appearance. Race, gender, age, handicap/disability, etc.


17, 21