To those who are young....

Take life by the balls and run with it. This is your time to enjoy learn, to love laugh and cry.

Make the most of this time – fill it with memories that will last a lifetime.

Wake up and see the world like it’s a new place every day – there is always something new to see, something new to learn – soak it all in.

Laugh hard, laugh long.

Share the laughter, and the tears.

Talk to strangers – yea, I know your mother told you not to – but once in a while, just start up a conversation while standing at a bus stop, on the train, in a cab. Even if you are normally shy – speak up! It’s sometimes easier when you don’t know the person – and you just might make a friend.

Don’t judge anyone because they think or believe differently.

No matter your physical size – embrace it. (No not literally…figuratively! – oh wait…go ahead)

If you feel like dancing in the middle of a store, dance. Sometimes you just don’t need music.

Share your heart – and remember the passion. Love hard, love strong. Let the other person know just by looking at you how you feel. If you love someone, truly, give it your all. And tell them. We all need to hear it.

Don’t settle.

Work hard, but enjoy what you do. If you don’t enjoy what you do – then it truly is work.

Go to school if you can – study and soak in all the knowledge that your brain can hold. Learn!

Prepare for the future the best you can.

Don’t grow old with regrets.

If you have made mistakes, learn from them – and start over. You are young, you get do-overs.

Do not taunt, tease or make fun of people of any age. It hurts. It stays with them longer than you realize.

If you need help, just ask. Someone will help you. If not, ask someone else. And if your friends don’t help, they are not your true friends.

Pet a kitten, hug a puppy

Kiss the back of a baby’s neck.

Thank your parents, step parents – the ones who raised you.

Respect your elders. They were once like you – and in their eyes, hearts and minds it wasn’t that long ago. Someday you will blink – and will be as they are.

And last but not least - have some fun every day.