The Hit List - The Best Things I Ever Taught My Son

Last night, I dreamt of my mother. She’s been gone almost a decade now. Wow. It seems like only yesterday she was on the phone with me, gossiping about some of the usual family drama. Although we had our ups and downs, we talked every day. Sometimes three times a day.

I’m like that with my children. I like to check in with them and make sure they are doing okay. Every. Single. Day.

Even though they are grown adults, a mom still worries.

I shouldn’t worry about my son though. He’s a capable adult and doing quite well at this stage in his life. In fact, both my kids are making their momma proud and choosing to be industrious, responsible adults. Is that good luck, good genes, fortunate astrology aspects or simply being raised right? It might be a combination of all four. But really: a lot has to do with personal responsibility and that lesson begins at home.

Last week, I asked my daughter what she thought were the top five “mom” lessons and this week, I asked my son. Here’s what he shared with me:

Always stick to your ethics, in business and in personal life. That means being honest, even if it makes you unpopular. Find your moral code, your truth, and stick with it. Do not be afraid to stand up for your beliefs – or your self.
Treat women with respect, period. (My son is very sensitive to women’s feelings and also knows how to be a friend with women.)
Accountability and Transparency. Always take responsibility for your fuck-ups and never try to be someone or something you’re not. Man up and stand up.
Financial responsibility. (Both my kids remarked that this might be the most important lesson. I’m very fiscally conservative and manage my money like a hawk.) He who controls his money controls his world. Be an entrepreneur and practice fiscal intelligence. Low debt load, live below your means, keep an eye on your investments. Always strive to be financially independent. (Living on mommy’s couch is SO not an option here!)
Open mindedness and understanding towards society at large: different culture, different cuisines, lifestyles, and other people’s struggles. (I’m a bleeding heart and social injustice, discrimination, and class warfare are hot topics around our house.)

Honorable Mentions (yes, he had more than five):

Boss Up! Live within your means but live WELL. That means quality over quantity. And excellent food. ALWAYS excellent food.

Have a sense of humor. Laughter is vital for a happy, content life. Learning to laugh things off helps to let go.

My son is one of the funniest, most responsible young men I know – and one of the best decisions I ever made. (Psst…I learn stuff from him every day. He’s my little living Buddha.)

What lessons are you teaching your children?

Recent mother/son pic.

Other stuff:

My son is a classically trained percussionist, specializing in jazz. These three gals are young and specializing in kicking musical ass.

A cat nurse? YES. It’s real!

Dan Price might be my new hero. Actually, he is! This is how a CEO needs to think.

There is a new “Ghetto Tarot” from photographer Alice Smeets – and it’s stirring people up. Mellissae Lucia writes a thoughtful piece about cultural appropriation and The Ghetto Tarot.

Advice I will be taking soon from Yes and Yes: How to Give People a Watered Down, Exhausted Version of Yourself. Time off and trimming back – it’s going to get real here.

Seth Godin is anti-business. You might be too.

Do you want to learn tarot? The Hermit’s Lamp has a fabulous new class for you: Tarot Foundations Online Course! Learn with some of the best tarot teachers in the world from the comfort of your home.

This week, I participated in Racheal Cook’s The Business That Loves You Back Blog Tour. My piece: Breathing Room. How I take a sacred pause in my busy day.

From When I Grow Up: 10 Ways to Discover Work That Feels Like Play.

I adore Pink and her body positive message to body shamers.

Should I worry? The downsides of being clever.

This is how they imagined we’d be living today 122 years ago. If only!

How to protect your ATM code from ne’er do wells.

Dr. Suzanne Gelb just released this: The Life Guide On Aging with Grace, Strength, and Self-Love. Definitely worth checking out!

Little Fox Tarot is exploring the Court Cards and Game of Thrones. This week, The Lannisters! (My boy Jaime is the Knight of Swords.)

Wonder how Flo became Flo? Here ya go. Now you know.

“The stumbler doesn’t build her life by being better than others, but by being better than she used to be.” Beautiful words from David Brooks. Read his compelling post, The Moral Bucket List.

Are women in their 50’s the best women for men to date? One man’s thoughts.

Mars and Venus? Apparently men and women DO order differently in restaurants.

Why does this man have the floor in his apartment covered in bread? Must watch.

I always love reading books on fashion and how to dress. If only I could actually manage to do something about my own ways. This book by Alison Freer might help: How to Get Dressed: A Costume Designer’s Secrets for Making Your Clothes Look, Fit, and Feel Amazing

Loading up my iPad with these e-books for my upcoming trip: Every Time I Diet I Gain Five Pounds: Step Into Your True Self And Shed Your Baggage, Three Guys Walk Into A Bar: How To Thrive As A Creative Business.

This looks like a good read too: Soul Vows: Gathering the Presence of the Divine In You, Through You, and As You from Janet Conner. On my wish list!

Also on my wish list: Miracles Now: Inspirational Affirmations and Life-Changing Tools from Gabrielle Bernstein.

What I’m Grateful For:

A wonderful son

Dinner with my wonderful son

A strong, healthy body

Organization

A trip to New York, one of my favorite places in the world to be

Soundtrack for 4/18/15: I by Kendrick Lamar