For My Boys... Life Advice from Mom

For my first post of the new year (HAPPY 2018!), I thought I'd start off with something that I find very meaningful.

I have a "running list" of advice and inspirational notes for the kiddos - "words to live by", so-to-speak.   Some, I had written down (in time capsules, cards, etc).  Others, I have recorded on a yearly video I do for the kids, "just in case something would happen to me" and I wasn't here to tell them in person.  I want them to see the video and hear my advice and words of love, even though the rationale behind it sounds rather morbid!

This post may be a bit lengthy, but I want my boys to read each word, take them in stride, and hopefully some will make them think... and smile... and be.

My list of "great advice" are things that I have seen and copied from internet posts/memes, others from inspirational websites, and some have come straight from the heart.

From various posts throughout the web:
* Never shake a man's hand sitting down.
* When shaking hands, grip firmly and look the person straight in the eye.
* In a negotiation, never make the first offer.
* Act like you've been there before, especially in the End Zone.

* Request the late check-out.
* When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
* Hold your heroes to a higher standard.  Act and aspire to be someone's hero.
* Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.
* Don't fill up on bread.  Enjoy the dessert!
* Don't let a wish bone grow where a backbone should be.
* If you need music on the beach, you're missing the point.
* Carry two handkerchiefs; the one in your back pocket is for you and the one in your breast pocket is for her.
* When you marry a girl, you marry her whole family.
* Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface, but paddle like crazy underneath.
* Experience the serenity of traveling alone.
* Never be afraid of asking out the best-looking girl in the room.  My adage: Never overlook the nicest girl or the funniest girl!
* Never turn down a breath mint.

* Sit in reverence of your creator, but remember He gave you free will. Do your work.
* A sport coat is worth a thousand words.
* Try writing your own eulogy.  Never stop revising it.
* Thank a veteran.  And then, make it up to him or her.
* If you want to know what makes you unique, sit for a caricature.
* Eat lunch with the new kid.  (Be nice to everyone!)
* After writing an angry email (or text), read it carefully.  Then, delete it.
* Ask your Dad to play.  He'll never let you win.

* Open doors for people.
* Give credit.  Take the blame when it's yours.
* Write down your dreams.
* Say "Thank you for your service" to firefighters, police officers, military personnel, etc.
* Be proud of your efforts and accomplishments, but don't get cute.

* Remember this equation: E+R=O.  Event + Response = Outcome.
* When the truth is delivered with respect, how the other person responds is their deal.
* If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.
* Know how to: change your oil, fix a sink, save your money, and be the hero in an argument (calm it down).
* Remember: Prayer is talking to God, meditation is hearing from God.  Get good at doing both.
* You are 100% responsible for your own life.
* Patience is a virtue, but slow feet don't eat.
* Understand the balance of confidence and humility.
* Happiness is not a permanent state, wholeness is.  Don't confuse these.
* If you can't smile with your eyes, don't smile.  Insincerity is nothing to aspire to.

* "Can't" is a cop-out.
* Ask for what you want.  The worst thing they can say is "no".
* Remember your manners.  Say "please", "thank you", and "pardon me" whenever the situation warrants it (which is probably quite often!).
* Question everything except your own intuition.
* You have enough. You are enough.
* You are amazing! Don't let anyone ever make you feel as though you are not. If someone does, walk away.  You deserve better.
* No matter where you are, you can always come home.
* Be happy, say your prayers, and remember your roots.
* Say what you mean and mean what you say.
* No one will ever love you more than Daddy and I will.

My jotted notes:
* If there's an adult standing, you'd better not be sitting!
* Believe in yourself; you can do anything.  Set your mind to do it!
* Never lie to yourself.
* Work smart. Work hard. If it's not hard, it's not worth having.
* Sometimes you just need to be silly.  Don't hold back!

* Sometimes it's best to keep your mouth shut and your ears open.
* Live up to your potential.  Don't slack or expect things to fall into your lap.
* Don't settle.  Good things are worth waiting for.
* Love wholeheartedly and show your love!
* Laughter is the best medicine. Smile and laugh every day!
* Don't be guided by what others may think of you!  Remember: Those who mind don't matter - and those who matter don't mind.
* You are special.  You are loved!  Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise.
* Every day, tell yourself, "I accept myself unconditionally right now."  I certainly do!
* Be respectful. Always.  Be the bigger person.
* Be courteous, be loyal, and be a gentleman.
* Sometimes, you just have to be tough.  Be resilient!
* I will always be proud of you when you do the right thing.
* You will make mistakes.  Learn from them. When you mess up, I will still love you!
* It's OK to ask "dumb questions".  They're not dumb!  :-)
* Do stop and enjoy the sunshine.

* Smile and say HI to random people in a store or on the street.  It could make their day!
* Seek out people and places that resonate with your soul.
* Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
* Failure is not a permanent condition.
* Stand up for yourself and your beliefs.
*  Always be loving, compassionate to others, and be brave enough to stand up to those who may be hurting others.
* "Brave" is a decision you make.
* Treat each person like a gift from God.  Every. Single. One.

And, taken from "Hands-Free Mama's inspirational blog:
"Always notice...and respond with love."
And, "in times of struggle, shift your focus from 'This is not how it's supposed to be' to 'Watch us shine in the light of the unexpected'!"

Love you boys.... more than you will ever know.    XXOO