Here's a question: At what point in your life did what you think become important?

Why I ask: Many people seem to think that what a kid thinks isn't important. After all, you're just a kid. Do what you're told. Be seen and not heard. It's totally understandable that adults react this way to kids, because they can be irritating with all their questions, ideas, enthusiasm, energy and emotions. Kids are a handful. Adults like a little peace and quiet. Shut up!

We have to give the adults some understanding and love. But eventually the kids grow up, and did we ever stop and say, okay now that you're not a kid anymore, what you think is important? No one ever said that to me. And I think that's a b ug, because the truth is this -- what you think matters as much as what anyone else thinks. If they matter, then so do you. If you don't matter, neither do they.

Once you get this, really feel it -- the reason to argue melts away. I don't need to convince you of anything, I just need to believe it myself. Or not. In other words, I'll make up my own mind, thank you very much.

Happy Thanksgiving!