I'm a Dad, 3 teens, incredibly brilliant. I'm haunted by my daughter's comments that I set her up for failure by telling her how incredibly beautiful and brilliant she is. Objectively she is, what she does not understand is that is not enough. There are 7.5 billion of us. The gift is life. Enjoy yours.

And yes, to every child of my generation I apologize. I grew up believing if you worked hard you could achieve anything. My kids are growing up believing that they have already earned it.

Neither is true. You can't change the past or control your future. But you can participate, if you want to give up and sit on the couch, I can only tell you life, each day, each moment, is so much more precious than the marketers selling shiny beads would have you believe.

The truth is, under the duress of the world none of us really cares about the other. We listen. we pretend, but in the end it becomes about me. Parents, family and life long friends are the exception. Honor them. it is nice to have someone to care about and who lets you care about them.

If you have a parent that is willing to throw themselves under the bus so you might live. Celebrate it with every breath. One day, you will for your kids.

Important: I understand you are in despair. Most days I am. But what you see of the world is your perspective. Believe whatever makes you feel good about yourself and those who give to you.

2 Rules to live by:
Respect yourself.
Respect those around you.

Sorry this is a bit long. I haven't mastered the sound bite.