Plastic surgery doesn’t age well, ever. Put your phone down. Daydream about the good things. Always keep a good book in your purse--it's both a secret and an escape plan, two good things to have. Make the bed. Hold the door open for strangers. Smile. Look other people in the eye. So, you’re scared? Good, fear indicates worth. And guess what? Everyone is afraid. Which means fear doesn’t absolve you from the attempt, or the conversation, or the adventure. You can always try again--good people are pretty marvelous about the whole forgiveness thing. And, oh yeah, put your phone down! Eat greens. And toasted pine nuts. Ask yourself if it will add value to your life--will it be good for you? Prioritize your health--and happiness too, because life is short. Humility, humility, humility. And kindness. Words are important, so don’t give them away too carelessly. Honesty above all else. And the music of Billy Joel. Peonies, when they’re in season. A clean purse. Write. Write more. Chip, chip, chip away at a body of work. Not everyone is good. The core of a very many people is a rotted root. And that’s just... well, unfortunately, that's just the way it is. Offer them kindness and then walk away. You cannot save people, you can only live your life the best you know how, with a strong set of values and a clear set of boundaries. Values are strong trees that bend in high winds--trust their ability to adapt. We get better when we risk, and grow, and move forward. Beliefs can change. The story of God has a whole heck of a lot to do with humanity and forgiveness and love and love and love. A lot of things are contagious--fear and anxiety and ideas, even. Keep your door open because that’s who you are. Take the twenty minute walk because that’s who you are. Small revolutions are born of small, everyday actions. The current can change. And occasionally a plant will thrive where you least expect it to, it’s green leaves sprouting new buds, growing wide and tall in defiance of your expectations.