With only 9 days (EEEK!) left until Bean arrives, I wanted to do a little post about things I would like to try to teach him and values I'd like to instill in him.
Of course these are just a few of the first things that come to mind, I'm sure I could list a million more but I thought I'd limit myself!
Don't be scared of people who are different from you.
The world would be a really boring place if everybody was the same, and after all - you can learn a lot from people who are different from you.
You are who you are.
There's no point in trying to be anybody else, sooner or later you have to learn to accept and love yourself.
And who you are will always be fine by me - whether you choose to be a brain surgeon or a cleaner, whether you're gay, straight or transgender - as long as you are true to yourself, I won't mind a bit.
Don't get too caught up in things like money and qualifications.
All of that is fine if you choose to go down those roads, I'll always support your decisions.
But never feel pressured to be "successful" as in my eyes - success is liking what you do and who you are, and just being happy.
No more, no less.
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Everybody makes mistakes - don't be afraid to admit them and ask for help.
Even when you're a stupid teenager and you've done something wrong - don't be afraid to ask for help, I've been a teenager too!
I'll help you first and punish you later!
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The ONE thing that it is never ok to be is a bully.
This is the only thing that would disappoint me.
Words hurt more than anything else and they're impossible for some people to forget - think about what you're saying before you say it, because you can never take your words back and they could scar somebody for life.
When you're old enough to date, don't think you're too cool to treat people with respect.
If you're taking a girl out on a date, always offer to pay and always bring flowers. Be the nice guy.
You may not think its cool but I guarantee you - you'll catch far more flies with honey than vinegar.
There's a lot more to the world than might first meet the eye.
I encourage you to explore and find your own beliefs, but I hope that you won't ever close your mind to the mysteries of the universe.
This one is quite simple - it is what it is!
Life is to be lived and I hope you live it with enthusiasm!
Look at the stars whenever you can, do what you love, and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...DANCE!!!
I hope that you never have to experience bullying, but if you do - just know that there is nothing wrong with you.
Its the bullies who have the problem.
And everything gets better in time....always.
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Always try to give other people the benefit of the doubt. You can never truly know what somebody is going through until you've walked a mile in their shoes. Don't be too quick to judge other people until you have at least tried to get to know them or understand them.
And this one is more for me....
What things do you want to instill in your children above all else?
