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

People often ask me how I manage to be so productive. That’s easy: I’m a workaholic. But the truth of the matter is that I grew up in a household where work was prized. Both my parents were hardworking people who enjoyed their jobs.

And that’s one of the best lessons I ever got from them: have a strong work ethic.

You won’t find one lazy person in our family. We weren’t raised like that.

I was thinking about this the other day and began contemplating: what might my children think are the best lessons they learned from me? (I hope it’s not my penchant for Maury paternity episodes and trash television. Gulp.)

Rather than speculate, it was time to go directly to the bird’s beak and ask my daughter what were here “top five mom lessons”.

Her thoughts:

Control your impulses. Never jump into anything until you’ve assessed the situation thoroughly. Think before action. Be intentional in every word, deed, or action.
Live well but live within your means. Pleasure should be a part of your everyday life. A decadent meal, a glass of wine, a new stack of books – all are essential to a happy life. BUT never spend like an idiot. Be mindful with every expense. (And please do not be a freak about calories. Enjoy a brownie now and then!)
Be confident. You don’t have to be the most beautiful or smartest woman in the room but if you are confident, people will respect that – and you.
Self reliance. Independence is a biggie around here. Make sure you have your own income and are able to cook a good meal. Manage your money like a boss. Learn how to travel alone. Do your own damn laundry and live on your own. And most importantly: think for yourself. Don’t look to other people for validation, ever.
Pursue your dreams. That means going after your dreams with gusto. Ignore the naysayers and stay on your hustle. Tis better to live a passionate life doing work that lights you up rather than following the herd and going for a job that “makes money.” Passions can make plenty of money.

This was very revealing to me (and reassuring- not a horror story in sight!).

The theme I see the most: be independent and intentional.

And that is exactly the way she is living her life. Looks like those lessons worked well because she turned out pretty damn good. (Whew! I take motherhood very seriously, yo.)

Next week – I’ll see what my son has to say. (Let’s hope he doesn’t mention my Don Rickles impressions.)

What about you?

What are the most valuable lessons your parents taught you?

Construction site advice.

Other stuff:

The BEST thing I saw on the web this week: Jon Snow is The Worst (And Best) Dinner Party Guest. HILARIOUS!

This story got to me this week: Mom reunited with daughter 50 years after being told she died. FIFTY YEARS.

I love the way that Steven Bright writes about tarot. Check it out at Tiferet Tarot. This week he was using the New Mythic Tarot and his interpretations are lovely.

Forget the blue/gold dress debate and look at this cat.

It’s ramp season – but only for a short time. Mario Batali talks about how to cook ’em right at Table to Farm.

Genius + kind move: these guys turned a van into a portable free laundry service for the homeless.

Over at Fast Company: an oral history of how “Game of Thrones” went from a crazy idea to HBO’s biggest hit.

Wisdom from my favorite money guru, Bari Tessler: Money and Kids. Lessons from our family.

I always thought those Bratz dolls were a bit stripper-ish. This woman removed their makeup and made them into dolls girls can relate to.

I think I’m too old and fat for “bants”.

Dana Milbank on the rush to humiliate the poor.

On my list of must-do things: a DIY writing retreat. Sarah Von Bargen has the best ideas – I always read her blog. You should too.

Ittybiz asks: should you really join a mastermind? (I love mine!)

There is now a feminist wedding magazine! Bout time!

Inspiration from a glam rocker: how Dee Snider reinvented himself after the year he made $0.

What is the number one song on the day you were born? (Me: Help Me Rhonda)

Esmé Wang on blogging as a genre: “The blog genre suggests that we be helpful, be amusing, be brief.” (I try!)

What are the rituals of successful people? Apparently they do this.

Little Red Tarot has some of the best tarot writing on the web. This week she wrote about “removing scary cards from your deck”.

New from my friends Ellen Fondiler and Gala Darling: Miracle Worker – a class on grit, nerve, courage, and what it takes to create a magical career. This starts May 4th so get in while you can!

Getting inspired from the past with these baller businesswomen from the 19th century.

Oh how I want one of these: David Irvine paints random characters on old thrift shop pictures. YES!

A glimpse back at Harlem in the 70’s. It’s way different now.

Now: See Me – photos of homeless youth in New York City.

A teeny tiny tarot deck.

This is so funny: the Indiana Home Shopping Network with James Van Der Beek and Anna Camp.

Next week is tax week. Are you ready? Here’s how to get ready to file your taxes.

I love little plastic animals. You’ll often see them in my Six Second Tarot videos. Just ordered these guys this week: Woodland Forest Toy Animal Figures (One Dozen)

Ooooh this book looks delicious: Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career. Rock Social Media.

I am on a diet and all I can think about is stuff like this: Mastering Pasta: The Art and Practice of Handmade Pasta, Gnocchi, and Risotto

Marco Pierre White is one of my favorite chefs. He just released White Heat 25, the 25 year anniversary edition of his famous White Heat.

Lorraine Bracco just released a beauty, health and diet book (always loved her acting): To the Fullest: The Clean Up Your Act Plan to Lose Weight, Rejuvenate, and Be the Best You Can Be

What I’m Grateful For:

Every day lessons

Brazil nuts

Fast delivery

Spring rain

Quick phone chats with the kids

New foodie magazines

Soundtrack for 4/11/15: I Shot You Down by Isaiah Rashad – digging this beat