One key factor in the downward spiral in our educational system is that there is too much stroking and too little real feedback.

Be good at something. It makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome.

Sometimes you can't pay it back, so you just have to pay it forward.

Want to have a short phone call with someone? Call them at 11:55 a.m., right before lunch. They'll talk fast. You may think you are interesting, but you are not more interesting than lunch.

Show gratitude. Gratitude is a simple but powerful thing.

I am going to keep having fun every day I have left, because there is no other way of life. You just have to decide whether you are a Tigger or an Eeyore.

Better to fail spectacularly than do something mediocre.