Here is a list of things I want to share with my children. I plan to update this as ideas come to me, or life makes certain issue relevant.
1. You never know who you will run into; make sure that when you leave the house, you are proud of how you look.
2. It’s your body. Done. End of conversation. ( It’s HER body. Done. End of Conversation.)
3. Pick your battles, with your friends, your spouse and your kids. Learn not to be reactive, but also learn that if something is truly important to you, then it is important that people with whom you have a relationship, are aware that you are upset. In other words, you left the toilet seat up, is probably not worth it, but you hurt my feelings definitely is.
4. Everyone has an opinion, and is entitled to have it; be respectful. You can question, and challenge, but never disrespect another because they disagree.
5. Facebook is not your platform to be an entertainer. You have no contract, and they are not paying you to entertain people. Remember, what you post will follow you, and will be there for eternity. Ask yourself before you post: Is this something that I want a future employer or person that I care about to see? If you need to think, then you probably should not post it.
6. Camera phones are not for sending intimate pictures. They are for capturing moments in your life. You are not the celebrity of the day, who will reap financial rewards from posting nudie pictures all over the internet. You are the person who will suffer a great deal of shame if the recipient decides to punish you in some way. Do not give someone else that power over you.
7. Follow your instinct. That little voice in your head that says something is not right, is me whispering in your ear. Listen to it.
8. Take care of your health.
9. Learn to hug, to kiss, to hold hands and to compliment freely. Few things in your life will ever be more appreciated than genuine emotion.
10. Don’t lie. If you feel you have to lie, maybe you need to re-think why you did what you did in the first place.
11. Family meals matter. On some days, you know we will eat at 5, and other days at 9. Always remember that I did whatever was necessary to make sure that we ate dinner together.
12. Learn to enjoy your own company. It will make you more likely to choose your friends and mates carefully.
13. Respect every dollar you earn; never take your income for granted. Always think in terms of how hard you had to work before you make an unnecessary purchase. If you work for an hourly wage, ask if you would want to work 10 hours to pay for something. If the answer is NO, then put it back. If you are not sure, then give it a week, and see if you still want it. If so, Enjoy it; you earned it.
14. Plan your day. Make sure you include family time, and YOU time.
15. Don’t take yourself for granted. You matter.
16. Cut ties from people who take you for granted. If you truly matter, you should not have to remind someone of how important you are.
17. Be mindful of drugs and alcohol. They modify your behavior and leave you vulnerable. They effect your brain and your memory. Life is short; remain mindful of what you are doing, and who you are with. If you are having fun, you should want to remember it. If you are not, then change your activity or your company.
18. Basic grooming is priceless: Shower daily, wash your hands, clean your nails, and brush your teeth. Smell Clean!
19. Never be late, but do not be too early!
20. Family comes first. You can invite friends and lovers to be a part of your family, but never, ever forget your family.
21. Everyone is someone’s child, or mother etc… Be respectful when you speak to others.
22. A car can be deadly. You do not own the road. It is traveled by many other people who are deeply loved and needed by others. Do not text and drive, and do not be THAT ass who cuts people off, or who drives to quickly that they are unable to control the car. You never know what will happen next, so do not assume that you do. Be defensive when you drive, and respect the power of the vehicle you operate. Remember, someone is waiting for everyone to get home.
23. Listen to the stories of your elders; they are history.
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