Advice for the Children

1. Grace – Slather yourself in this before you even get dressed in the morning because, without any doubt, something will come your way that entices you to act in a way that is unbecoming. Don’t. No matter what…don’t. Keep an eye on your lighthouse and the things that are important to you and keep heading that way no matter what others say or do.

2. Humor – Sometimes you will fail at the first lesson because life is messy and you are not perfect but try to laugh anyway. You will make mistakes. You will embarrass yourself and the people you love sometimes. You will have regrets. But, when you do, take it with humor. Laugh at your imperfections and those of others. Always give people the benefit of the doubt and believe that they have the best of intentions. And just laugh. Of the lines that I have on my face the smile lines around my eyes are by far my favorite. I much prefer them to the scowl lines on my forehead. You have to pick which you would like to have later and earn them. So laugh. A lot.

3. Self-respect – Once you have given people chances and they are no longer acting with the best of intentions lose them like a bad habit no matter who they are. It’s okay. It’s best for you and good for them, too, as they clearly need to learn. Respect your body, your mind, and your spirit. You will need them all in balance to be healthy.

4. Authenticity- In the chaos of your day listen to the littlest voice that yells to you from the inside. It is smarter than you are because it lives closer to your heart. Go after the life that you want and don’t settle for anything less than you deserve. And, for the record, you deserve everything you desire.

5. Live – Don’t wait. Do it today. Because today, right now, is the only guarantee.