A letter to my kids to start 2018

So many things - so many changes happened to us and for us in 2017 - so much I want to say and so many tangents I could go off on ...

In no particular order ... and knowing that I'll add to this regularly ... 

1. Be strong
2. Be kind
3. Be consistent
4. Be intentional
5. Apologize when you're in the wrong
6. Don't assume
7. Stand up for what's right, not what's easy
8. Help each other
9. Be there 
10. Be present
11. Be yourself
12. Keep reading
13. Challenge yourself
14. Travel
15. Get outside your comfort zone on occasion
16. Know that you can always come home - I might not let you stay but you'll always a place to rest and recharge
17. Volunteer
18. Stand by your commitments
19. Remember that quitting isn't failure - not trying is failure
20. Realize your mistakes and learn from them
21. Be a friend
22. Help the animals
23. Stay curious and don't be afraid to ask questions
24. Remember that 'family' is whoever is there for you when you need them, not just when it's convenient for them
25. Get involved 
26. Look for the good in everything
27. Trust - but be cautious
28. Drink water
29. Try new things ... unless it's illegal
30. Unplug regularly
31. Set goals - large and small
32. Dream
33. Vote - and educate yourself before filling out that ballot
34. Donate blood 
35. Say please, thank you, and you're welcome -- and be sincere about it
36. Never be afraid to say 'no'
37. No one is better than you and you are no better than anyone else
38. Be brave 
39. Get out in nature 
40. Exercise
41. For your mama and for your health, eat some freaking vegetables that aren't potatoes or fried
42. Get plenty of sleep (meaning go to bed earlier, if necessary)
43. Find your passion
44. Brush your teeth
45. Traditions aren't set in stone - make your own
46. Remember that your job pays the bills, your hobbies make you happy. If you can find a job that pays you for doing what you love - even better.
47. Learn how to budget and stick with it. AVOID credit card debt, at all costs!
48. Sure you can pay someone to do everything for you (plumber, electrician, paint, yard work) but you also need to learn how to do basic repairs on your own. Personal satisfaction.
49. Be thankful for the learning experiences - because everything is a learning experience. Everything.
50. Always remember that you are loved.