Challenge yourself every day, in one way or another. Mentally (read!) Is there any room for growth in an area you are struggling with? physically (take your pick but never take stupid risks with your safety), emotionally (allow yourself to be vulnerable. Apologize.), spiritually (pray/meditate/ fast.)


13, 17, 21



Rainstorms are gangrenous- avoid driving in them or being out on foot. I’ve personally known people who have died from lightening strikes (running) and falling tree limbs (in their car. The mom in drivers’ seat and child in front seat both died.)


16



Never any point in arguing with drunks or fools.


17



Birds of a feather flock together


14



Do not be daunted at the world’s grief. Do justly now. Love Mercy now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it. -The Talmud


15



Have somebody take him skiing. I never learned to ski but I hope he learns to ski or snowboard.


6-11



ADHD hack for studying or projects- Leave yourself notes about where you left off.


13, 21



Pray for the courage to be yourself.


10, 13, 15, 17, 21



Everything not saved will be lost. This is true for documents in Word and in life.


16



Book recommendation: “Star Fish” by Lisa Fipps.


11



“A recipe for being mistaken: 1. Dislike someone who's often right. 2. Never agree with someone you dislike.” ——- Paul Graham


16



Sometimes the only thing you can do is to show up. Be there.


13, 15, 17, 21



Never resist a generous impulse.


9, 12, 19



“Pirate Rules” is a temporary suspension of the usual rules. It means pretty much anything goes for this moment so we can all stay sane. ——-Loosen the rules on snacks, bedtime, screen time, etc. in special circumstances.


1-5



Remember: “C’s get degrees.” Don’t tie yourself in knots over grades.


17, 18



The thing about hiding is you’re always worried you’ll be see, caught, or found out. It takes a toll. I hope you never hide from who you are, or feel like you have to fake it to be liked. I will always accept you as you are, and I hope to raise you so you accept yourself (and others) as well.


14,17



Your very existence is a miracle. Countless cosmic events and generations of ancestors had to come together in precisely the right way at precisely the right time for you to be here now. It’s an honor to be who you are. Act accordingly.


13, 15, 18, 20, 21



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


13-16



Intimacy is a feeling of safety. To let yourself be seen, touched, known, without defenses.


17, 21



If you’re having trouble finding your passion, read biographies and memoirs of people from all walks of life. There are so many worlds out there! You’ll find one that excites you, where your unique talents and skill set can shine.


19



Dress to people will listen to you, not look at you. (This is especially true at school and work.)


15, 18, 21



1

You may end up being a big shot, Good for you! But check yourself. The good lord wasn't above washing his friends' dirty feet so please don't feel like you're above any task that needs to be done. Enjoy your success but stay humble.


20



Some men think if they just act like a total $@!#% then people will assume they’re uber intelligent. Just because someone is scary it doesn’t mean he’s scary smart.


15, 21



Painful or unpleasant emotions can’t grow if you stay in the present. (Easy way to do this is to focus on your breathing.)


10, 13, 16, 21



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


16



Being numb is not the same thing as being happy.


15-18



Sometimes, no matter how great a thing is it can’t make up for what it’s not.


14, 19, 21



Visit the Grand Canyon together


18-21



“You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are.” -Mr. Rogers


15



Someone else’s success doesn’t subtract from yours. Celebrating with them and encouraging them won’t make you the loser and them the winner. We’re all in this together.


12, 15