The one thing I would tell everyone - myself included - would be to just chill out. Life, by design, provides us with plenty of drama without us having to augment it and invent more. Just chill. Mark Deklin More Quotes by Mark Deklin More Quotes From Mark Deklin Always look for common ground, but don't ever be afraid to choose sides. Mark Deklin sides common looks That same intense, overpowering, and all-encompassing love that you feel for your family can also be utterly terrifying. Mark Deklin our-family intense feels Figure out what you believe in and what you're willing to fight for, then figure out what your special talents are and apply them to it. Mark Deklin fighting special believe Be bold. Be kind. Be brave. Mark Deklin be-kind kind brave Create the world you want to see. Mark Deklin want world Love is real. In every single moment, there are only two choices: love or fear. I can tell you from experience that love is exponentially more powerful. And a hell of a lot more fun. Mark Deklin powerful real fun Learn how to let go and say a good good-bye. Mark Deklin good-bye letting-go bye Accept the gift and honor the giver. Mark Deklin giver accepting honor Reading and gardening are really big for me, along with music and exercise. If I go more than a day or two without a run or a bike ride or something, I start to get kind of itchy and antsy. Mark Deklin reading exercise running One of the gifts of parenthood is that it forces you to be a bit more conscious about it, if only because you quickly realize that those kids are learning from your every action. Mark Deklin parenthood action kids I'm fearful and anxious for my family in ways that I've never been fearful or anxious for myself. I'm completely vulnerable to their pain, both physical and emotional. It's wild. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Mark Deklin emotional pain way Choose love. Teach love. And never lose your curiosity. Mark Deklin teach loses curiosity