My Advise to my sons (and men)

#1 STAY ALIVE — Some of this is not up to you. I pray that you don’t run into the wrong Cop (Racism is real). I pray you don’t step on the wrong persons shoe at a party. I pray that you aren’t laced with a drug that you can’t get free from or take it to escape reality. I pray that the stupid thing you will do (We’ve all done something stupid) doesn’t get you killed. (Don’t play yourself).

HAVE A VISION — Eat and breathe whatever you are involved in. Study it. Practice it. Focus.

BE A MAN’S MAN — Have a real friend, not an occasional drinking buddy. Cultivate a colleague and confidante. Be Accountable to someone.

DON’T SHY AWAY FROM BEING VULNERABLE — Open up and tell the truth about your fears and shortcomings. Don’t freak out, all men have them. Also, you won’t always know the answers. It’s OK.

START A FOOD FIGHT — Embrace the silly side of life

DANCE — Celebrate often, there are enough tough times. Enjoy every moment, life is short.

CHOOSING A MATE — A good woman is hard to find (Don’t play yourself). That kind of women in your life, will help you grow up.

MARRIAGE ISN’T ALWAYS 50/50 — Don’t go into it thinking that it is. Like a see-saw, the amount of give-and-take fluctuates. Be all in 100%.

GET INVOLVED — You have no right to criticize if you don’t contribute.

NO WHINING ALLOWED — Don’t let your troubles be your definition.

BE HUMBLE — Boasting is not masculine. You have nothing to prove to anyone.

BE COMMITTED — Buckle up and tough it out. Put on your hard hat and be ready to fight for it. Acknowledge that you have run in you.

APPRECIATE IMPERFECTIONS — Don’t let someone’s faults (or your own) become a catalyst for conceit.

BE A LEADER — Establish your own character, but learn how to follow.

PAY IT FORWARD — Blessings are communal.

FAMILY FIRST — Never, ever let them doubt who is most important.

HAVE FAITH — God rules. G.R.E.A.M. (God Rules Everything Around Me)

EMBRACE THE GENERATION BEFORE YOU — There is wisdom in those who lived a little more than you.

HAVE INTEGRITY — A man is his reputation.

LOOSEN UP — Not everything always goes as planned.

BE COURAGEOUS — Your family and friends will draw strength from you.

LAUGH — Even in the direst of situations, there is humor to be found.

LOVE — Let it be your compass.

LIVE — It’s the finest way to honor your dad. If your dad sucked start a new trend, LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL.