Watch The Breakfast Club a minimum of five times.
Cry a lot.
Laugh a lot.
Care a lot less about what other people think.
Keep a journal, but tear out the pages and discard. Burn them, if necessary.
Read something provocative.
Sing in the shower.
Make something cool.
Make a sound track for the following situations: heartbreak, euphoria, failure, disillusionment, creative foundering, despondency, envy, stupid people, kicking ass, revenge, and staring at the ceiling.
Be a good friend to your good friends–including you.
Avoid all long-term consequences: pregnancy, herpes, jail, death, and dismemberment.
Whoever you are, be more so.
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A shout out to Mr. Maher and his high school class in San Diego. Every November, he challenges his students to write a 100-word story every day for 30 days. He lets them brainstorm suggested topics, and then writes accordingly throughout the entire month. No exceptions–because he is awesome. I can’t help but be inspired to write a few 100-word stories myself. Surviving high school was yesterday’s topic. Feel free to chime in with your own advice in the comments.
Bad Parenting 101 