10 Things My Children Need to Know

My favorite wave makers at their first open water swim to fund cancer research.

1. It’s OK to be mad. Anger can be empowering. Just be sure to get over it.

2. Don’t be afraid to make decisions. The only things that are forever are death and taxes.

3. If you insist on comparing yourself to other people, you’ll never be happy.

4. Appreciate where you are and what you have — no matter what.

5. Happy thoughts make for a healthy mind and body. SMILE.

6. Hand write thank you notes. Texts and DMs are no substitute.

7. Trust the voice inside your head. That’s your gut instinct showing up.

8. Pray for good. Being negative won’t protect you from disappointment.

9. If you don’t believe in Santa, you’ll just get underwear. Believe in magic.

10. What just took you one minute to read, took me 50 years to write. Patience, grasshopper.

Bonus #11 — My best day ever was the day you were born. I love you, now and always.