What I Want My Kids To Know- Part 3
- Watch Out of Africa. Yes, it’s quiet and slow. I know. Just watch.
- You never know what goes on behind closed doors. Don’t be envious of mirages.
- Rowing harder doesn’t help if it’s in the wrong direction.
- The only way to get through tough sh*t it is to go through it.
- Be authentic.
- I’d rather you flunk a test than be an a**hole.
- Sometimes I speak figuratively, not literally.
- One of the best things you can do for yourself is learn how to figure out what’s really bothering you. It is never about socks on the floor.
- You can change your mind.
- Its better to be happy than save face.
- Don’t wait for “if this, than that.” Timing is never perfect.
- If you still have breath, it’s not too late.
- Keep a dozen non-specific birthday cards on hand.
- Hand write thank-you notes and send them in the mail. Do NOT email a thank you.
- Every three years, throw out your entire underwear drawer and start over.
- Take care to save that which is precious and treasured
- Get rid of the rest. Peace of mind is tough to find when surrounded by crap.
- White boxers are never a wise choice (Ben).
- Nude bras are almost always the wise choice (Emily).
- I. SEE. YOU.
- Don’t ask questions that you don’t want the answers to.
- Wear a seat belt. In the back too. Always, every seat.
- When people show you who they are, believe them.
- I lied to you when you were little. They did have the light up, plaid, jeweled sneakers in your size (Emily) and I am the one who threw out the “Kids Beatles” CD you adored (Ben). Kids singing Beatles songs is not the Beatles. I could not take it anymore.
- Listen to “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley.
- Listen to “I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons.
- You both raise my hands and paint my spirit gold.
- Run at least one race of 10 miles or more. It doesn’t matter how fast, just finish. Trust me.
- “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Wrong.
- Your words do wield power. You can apologize for, but never take back, what you say. Choose your words carefully.