It is okay to give up, but only if you've given it all you've got ​first​

I think that most people carve it in their kids' heads to "never give up", and while I think that's sweet, it isn't realistic. Sometimes, you give something all that you have and it isn't working, and that is OKAY. I am so thankful my parents taught me that.

Counting on your strength to get up off the ground after you've fallen is the greatest disservice you could do yourself

There are people around you that love you and want you to succeed. Let them be your strength when you're lacking your own. And someday, you'll probably do the same for them. My parents have been those people for me, and honestly, I've been that person for them, too. I am a better person because of it.

 You are going to mess up, and it will suck. But holding on to your mistakes will suck the life out of you

Mistakes are inevitable. Suffering the consequences of your not-so-wise actions is part of life, but punishing yourself for your mistakes won't get you anywhere. I have seen my parents work through this in their own lives, and it has helped me to do the same, and I am so glad.

The only person who truly knows your desires is YOU, make decisions accordingly

Children, no matter their age, need to be reminded that they should take care of themselves, and make decisions in a way that satisfies their needs before the needs of others.

*I will never forget when I wanted so badly to move home from college because I missed my family and hometown so much. It was a really hard decision for so many reasons, but what sealed the deal was a phone conversation I had with my dad. I was in tears and had been for a few hours and in his most calm and encouraging voice, he said to me: "Madeline, the only one who can make this decision for you is YOU. You have to take care of yourself, and you have the power to do that by moving home. Don't stay there for other people. Come home for YOU." Game changer.

Being kind to people will get you further than anything else

My parents have taught this to me and my siblings from the very beginning and not to toot their horns, but TOOT TOOT- because you could ask anyone about me or any of my siblings, and they would say that we are kind people. There is rarely an excuse to treat anyone poorly. Everyone deserves to be treated as a worthy, valued human being, period. No excuses. I hold that standard so close to my heart, I am so glad I was raised that way.