Quotemania: Irking Your Kids With Life Lessons

Photo by Shutterstock

Ask any parent of a teen and they'll tell you that it's a LOT of fun to annoy or embarrass – just a wee bit – their teen. It's part of the "revenge" of all the things that they do to get under your skin.

Some of you who read my blog and also follow me on social media may have noticed I've posted tons of quotes on my Instagram and consequently on Facebook.

I love to communicate, especially when I have something awesome I want to share and discuss with other people. Lately I've read a lot of terrific books about how to look at life – from Amy Morin's book on "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do" to Don Miguel Ruiz's "The Four Agreements" to Brene Brown's "Daring Greatly," (an awesome choice my friend made for book club) and I've found a wealth of information that explains why people do what they do, and how to actually look at life in a different way.

So my habit when I find out all of this exciting stuff is to spew it – lovingly – at my now 18-year-old daughter. I do it in person or text her links. I am just SO DAMN EXCITED about what I'm learning and how it can possibly help her that I just keep researching, reading and sending stuff.

The literal hand comes up and she says "Enough, Mom. I know you want to share all of this with me, but I just can't take the time to even look at the links. I'm really busy with school and other things, and I'm not going to have the time to look at any of it."

Honestly, that is a really mature response to my enthusiasm.

But, she still has her moments of intense emotions, and I know that if she could think differently, it would really help her. However, she often stubbornly refuses to acknowledge that I have some tools that could make a difference.

I have new terms, methods of thinking and analyzing situations and ways to think of oneself and others.

I talk about it with her in her room, while she's getting ready, driving in the car with her and at mealtimes. Yeah I know I talk a lot, but I love her!!!

As I'm talking about all of this healthy mindfulness at breaks from my daughter's homework sessions, I see my 15-year-old son sitting at the kitchen table, also doing homework.

He typically looks busy and disconnected from the conversation, staring at his laptop doing assignments and/or watching videos, with Earpods or Beats on (since he gets all As, I haven't hassled him too much about his homework methods. I'm picking my battles).

Occasionally when I'm making a good point, I see the flicker of his eyes look over the top of the screen at me – he'll never admit it, but he's listening, if only for a moment.

These are the golden times when they're paying attention.

But when I got "the hand' too much and I can't make a point I'd like, I resorted to posting the best quotes I could find on social media.

I know my kids will at least glance at what I post on Instagram.

And so my daughter did say "Why are you posting ALL THESE quotes, Mom? It's ridiculous!"

And she mentioned a few of them.

Photo by Pixabay

Yes, maybe she is kind of embarrassed of my "Quotemania."

But she IS reading what I put out there.

Turns out several of my friends seem to like that I'm doing this as well. They encouraged me to post more quotes (I typically do one per day).

The truth is, the world surrounds us with negativity. For some reason, we are naturally more able to focus on what's negative than positive.

This article, "Praise Is Fleeting But Brickbats We Recall" from the New York Times explains why.

Essentially, negative events require more brain processing than positive ones – and so therefore get more of our brain's "attention." So we tend to naturally wallow in the negativity more.

However, just KNOWING this is how our brain processes such events can help us to deliver strategies to combat the negativity. It works.

This is the key thing I want my kids to know. They can't control what happens to them in life or control other people – we all know that.

And we've often been told "It's how you react to what happens to you."

But what I've been learning from the books and articles I've been reading is HOW TO react – and the strategies WORK.

When you surround yourself with more and more negativity you're feeding that monster; when you surround yourself with information that provides REAL GUIDELINES how to process negative circumstances, you're changing the way your brain works – literally.

So, I went for Quotemania. It might embarrass my kids, but so what? If I have to annoy them into a better way to think about themselves, their lives and how to best get through this life, so be it.

And yes, there IS satisfaction in seeing how much you can annoy your teen! Revenge is sweet!

And now I leave you with something that personifies Parent Embarrassment Revenge: a teen complained to his Dad that he didn't want him to wave to the bus every morning when the kid went to school. Too embarrassing.

Dad's response? To wear a DIFFERENT COSTUME EVERY DAY when he waved to the bus. Check it out.

Subscribe by email here to make sure you don't miss a post. It's spam-free and you can opt out whenever you like.

Type your email address in the box and click the "create subscription" button. My list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.

Quotes and more from the 2019 Cubs Convention

The 2019 Cubs Convention began Friday night with the traditional opening ceremony and the talk-show format "Friday Night with Ryan Dempster."

Cubs players also had plenty to say to reporters before everything began. Here are a few quotes.

Javier Baez:

"We know what we've got. We know our players and we know our talent. We've just got to compete more as a team and not worry about the other team. It's going to be great. Baseball can go either way."

Kris Bryant:

"Sometimes you don't get what you want, and it's kind of good for us to go through that and get our teeth kicked in a little bit on our field in Game 163 and the wild-card game," Kris Bryant said Friday.

Bryant was supposed to be joined by his Vegas pal Bryce Harper, the prominent free agent who supposedly craved being in a Cubs uniform. But that's not happening, and the Cubs will win or lose with the same crew, for better or worse.

"Honestly, I understand some of the fan frustration," Bryant said. "But as a player, that feels pretty good knowing your owner and president and GM all trust the team we have. That means something to us, knowing that we don't really need another addition because the talent that we have is pretty dang good. I like the team we have.

"A lot of these guys have been on that World Series team, and I think we'll come out and show everybody what we're made of."

For more on KB, including discussion of his health (he says he's 100 percent), check out this transcript of his remarks posted by MLB.com Cubs beat writer Jordan Bastian.

Yu Darvish:

"I don't feel any pain," Darvish said Friday at the Cubs Convention. "I feel strong. I'm throwing from 120 feet now."

Theo Epstein, on Addison Russell:

"If he's booed, I think people have the right to boo," Epstein said. "And if he lives up to the standards we set out for him and earns his way back into a Cubs uniform, that's all he deserves is an opportunity to earn people's trust back, the organization's trust, the players' trust, the fans' trust.

"He doesn't deserve to be welcomed back unconditionally or with open arms. But I think the conditional second chance affords him enough of an opportunity to earn people's trust back and change his life and change his story. There have been more than a dozen players that have returned from domestic violence suspensions, and many of them represent success stories as far as their lives going forward."

Russell won't be eligible to return from the suspension until May 3 if he remains on the roster.

"I'm not saying it's going to happen," Epstein said. "We're probably in the top of the second inning of this story. (Russell) has a ton of work ahead of him, and it may not work. And if it doesn't, we will move on instantaneously. But if it does …"

The last paragraph of that quote is most interesting. As you know, I have gone on record as saying the Cubs ought to move on from Russell. It seems to me that by saying "if it doesn't (work out), we will move on instantaneously," that Epstein is acknowledging that the Russell situation is a difficult one for the ballclub and they might not be able to continue to have him on the team. There were reports earlier this offseason that they did attempt to trade him and had some interest, only to have an unnamed team back off after further revelations from Russell's former wife and a former girlfriend.

So it would appear that this story is not over.

Bryant again, on Harper and Manny Machado:

"I'm his friend," Bryant said. "That's his business, and it's a good time for him and his family. I'm not going to be another one of the guys who asks him where he's going to sign."

Bryant, however, did say it was "really weird" and "not good" that Harper and Manny Machado — the other superstar free agent this offseason — haven't signed with spring training less than a month away.

"Two of the best players in the game, and (teams) have very little interest in them, from what I hear," Bryant said. "It's not good. It's something that's going to have to change. I know a lot of the other players are upset about it."

It will be interesting to see what management has to say to fan questions during the day Saturday. As such, use this thread for commentary as the day goes on. We'll have wraps here later in the day and tomorrow on the events at the convention.

Twenty-First Century Life Lessons We Can Still Take From Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin in London. April 1969. (Photo by Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)Getty

There are two quotes that, to many, represent the essence of Janis Joplin:

The first is, "Don't compromise yourself, you are all you've got."

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

The second is, "To be true to myself, to be the person that was on the inside of me, and not play games. That's what I'm trying to do mostly in the whole world, is not bulls**t myself and not bulls**t anybody else."

Joplin, who died in 1970 at the age of 27, would have been 76 this month. In honor of her birthday and the release that day, January 19, on BroadwayHD of the Tony-winning smash play, A Night With Janis Joplin, I spoke with her younger siblings, Michael and Laura, as well as Mary Bridget Davies, star of the Broadway play.

Joplin's legacy as one of the great vocalists and personalities in rock history is unquestioned. Over the years when I've spoken to other artists the array of talents who have taken from or admire Joplin is immense.

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler told me, "I emulated Janis Joplin."

"What touched me about her was she really didn't care what her voice sounded like as long as it expressed the emotion she was trying to convey. And that really inspired me vocally," Evanescence's Amy Lee told me.

Asked who he would want to work with, Skrillex said, "You know who I'd love to make a song with, Janis Joplin. She's killer, her vibe and her voice and her energy is just stellar."

Nothing of this is surprising. Melissa Etheridge, Pink, Alicia Keys, Florence Welch, Leann Rimes, Natalie Cole and Jeff Buckley are just some of the numerous artists who have been influenced by Joplin.

What was more surprising can be found in the above quotes from Joplin. Talking with her siblings and Davies, who got to go into the mind of Joplin on a nightly basis, one recurring theme that emerged was how many of the beliefs Joplin held are as relevant and timely today as they were then.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

Certainly, her unyielding refusal to compromise and believe in herself, and as a result, always present her true self, are remarkably pertinent in an era where so many people, including musicians, present false senses of self on social media.

"I think Janis provided strength, as well as validation to people. She helped them stand up for themselves because they saw her doing it for herself and speaking her truth," her younger sister Laura, who was 21 when Janis dies, says. "So I think she was fundamentally important to people for that."

Michael Joplin, who was 17 when his sister passed in 1970, feels a lot of the same vibe both from Janis and her ardent followers.

"Those are the things she stood for -- to be yourself, to support your beliefs and let them roll and let them happen," he says. "Go with those to better yourself. She's very applicable to a lot of women's issues. But she's also very applicable to human issues in that respect. Those have been human struggles forever and ever and I think Janis was very vocal about it at a time that was a new concept. And I think we're still struggling with that in the aspect of how to accept yourself for who you are, warts and all. Let it rock and present what you've got, let it happen."

It certainly is interesting to imagine how a rock star as outspoken as Janis Joplin would have navigated the social media age. Davies has very strong opinions on how that might have gone.

"I just don't think she would have the time for it. And I also think she would drive up to everybody's house who said anything sideways about her and want to beat the crap out of them," Davies says laughing. "I think Janis probably would've been like, 'No' to all that and it would've worked in her best interest because despite her not wanting to be part of it it's kind of like an elusive lover. She would have been hounded for not doing it. So she would've gotten the press she needed anyway."

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

Of course all that is hypothetical, but the one thing Davies and Joplin's siblings agree strongly on is that Janis would've been a strong communicator with those that support her, and that is a lesson not only today's artists can learn from, but many people who have underestimated the value of communication.

"For sure, Janis was a letter writer. So that's an indication she liked the written word and liked being in touch with people," Laura says. "There are plenty of stories of Janis taking time to visit with fans, wanting to connect with people, from the stage or after the show."

As the person who for many has projected the legacy of Joplin on a nightly basis Davies sees the passion her fans, new and old, convey. She's had fans walk up to her crying. As have both Joplin siblings. What was it about Janis' music that led itself so well to that genuine connection?

"It's honest and it's captivating because we live in a completely false reality right now and everything is manufactured," Davies believes. "When you're willing to connect with them and see them and see what they're there for its intangibly electrifying. It's different every night in every town. She was always so honest and so urgent."

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

"I think Janis provided strength, as well as validation to people," Laura says. "She helped them stand up for themselves because they saw her doing it for herself and speaking her truth. So I think she was fundamentally important to people for that. "

Michael credits it partly to her musical diversity, which as he says was "All over the map."

"Janis' taste was all over the map and you look at what she even recorded -- Broadway show tunes, spirituals, rock, soul," he points out.

But he also does believe it was her honesty. "That's one of her hallmarks, her ability to present herself onstage as not anything other than herself. She would get up and just be Janis," he says. "People saw that and were attracted to that. I think it shows in her music, as well as her presentation of the music, her style of dress, just her belief in how to be yourself. And she talked about that countless times, be yourself."

Though again it is speculation, it's hard not to be intrigued by the thought of what Janis Joplin, who would be a year younger than Bob Dylan and a year older than Mick Jagger, might be doing now.

"I think right now she would be doing exactly what Mavis Staples is doing, exactly what Bonnie Raitt is doing," Davies says, "They went away, they had kids, they got their Grammys. Now the blues has become quite a lucrative empire, and I think Janis would just be up there with her cronies. I don't think her life would be her life if it didn't have music up until the day she died, whatever day that was."

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

That is another invaluable lesson, find what you love and make it your life.

Janis herself said, "When I sing, I feel like when you're first in love. It's more than sex. It's that point two people can get to they call love, when you really touch someone for the first time, but it's gigantic, multiplied by the whole audience. I feel chills."

Talk to Michael and Laura and you hear them speak first of their sister, then of an unquestioned music icon. And at times, understandably it wasn't always easy for them to listen to the music. Now after so many years they have been able to enjoy it and understand it.

"When I first heard the music, I was just 21 when she died, so a lot of the emotions in the music were not common to my experience of life yet. Now that I'm turning 70 certainly I've run into a range of emotions," Laura says. "And, in that regard, I feel she is both a teacher and a confidante who gives me permission to feel and also lets me know it's fine. And that's the way life is."

Michael says his favorite songs from his sister change all the time because of the glimpses they offer it who she was.

"Sometimes I'm attracted to the 'Mercedes Benz' song because it's so like Janis, so having fun, laughing, acknowledging the craziness of life. This weird dichotomy the ego presents to you and all that silly stuff, and just to be able to laugh at yourself as well. That's a wonderful skill I'm trying to learn how to do," he says. "But the songs that I like over the years have changed a lot. I go from 'Little Girl Blue,' just cause I can really hear her in that and that brings me joy hearing her sing. 'Ball And Chain' is so off the charts, her emotional output on it that I can feel my sister in it. So it brings me closer to her in that respect. And I know why she did 'Me And Bobby McGee,' that was so totally different than everything she'd done before. But she did it because she had a passion in the moment, especially for Kris [Kristofferson]. So it made sense. She really liked the line, 'Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose.' I think that was really key in her view o f everything. 'Hey I got nothing left to lose here, let's go for it.' I think it said a lot to her."

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

13 Quotes to Help You Overcome Depression and Anxiety

Mental illness is a hard battle to face alone.

These quotes give us inspiration for our fight to overcome depression and anxiety. They let us see that others have been just where we are.

On my own journey of building stronger mental health, I've found these wise and inspiring words to be truly comforting and compassionate. I hope you too find strength in them for your own journey!

1. "Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat." — F. Scott Fitzgerald

It sometimes feels that overcoming a mental illness is one defeat after another: another depressive episode, another panic attack, another bout of anxiety.

It's discouraging — more than discouraging, sometimes. We work hard to build our resilience and coping strategies, only to have our mental illnesses rear their ugly heads yet again.

We mustn't let ourselves believe these setbacks are more important than our progress. We are moving forward, and we will keep moving forward.

Related:​ Do You Really Need a Reason to Be Depressed?

2. "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." — Confucius

My psychologist once told me something that I've never forgotten: resilience isn't never falling; it's the ability to stand up and keep going after we fall. Every time we recover from a low week, an anxious weekend or a bout of panic attacks, we strengthen our resiliency.

And when we do fight our way forward from a setback, we must recognize it for the victory it is.

3. "Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most." — Buddha

Such a cliché, but it's true: every morning is a chance to do better than yesterday, to feel better than yesterday, to become stronger.

And in my case, all my worst demons come out to play at bedtime and at midnight. I'm learning to ignore them, because I know they'll disappear when the sun rises.

Waking in the morning is a chance to start fresh each day. 

Related:​ How Major Depression Affects My Ability to Be a Teacher

4. "The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." — Confucius

Of course, the work of each day — each new morning — is immense. Coping with mental illnesses every day — overcoming depression and anxiety — often seems like an insurmountable task. Too difficult; too complex. Especially when you're so tired, so low.

That's why this inspiring quote means so much to me personally. A man moving one stone a day; a steady trickle of water; the gradual effect of the wind.

However you choose to look at it, mountains do fall — in time. Slow progress is infinitely better than no progress at all.

5. "Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside of you that is greater than any obstacle." — Christian D. Larson

This is a very difficult idea to accept, or even to consider. Those of us with depression or anxiety often don't have a very high opinion of ourselves, or of what we're capable of.

Related:​ One Thing I've Found To Be True About Treatment-Resistant Depression

And yet, we're still here. Coping with mental illness every single day? That takes immense strength and bravery. (Of course, that's the reason I named my blog The Brave and Strong.)

We're fighting a war with our own minds and even though it often doesn't feel like it, we are winning.

6. "The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths." — Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

And all that work you put in, all those battles with mental illness you win? It doesn't just make you strong; it makes you beautiful.

There are some hard-won gifts that mental illness gives us — empathy, understanding, compassion, sensitivity.

Yes, even sensitivity is a gift: we see others and recognize we may never know all they're going through. Just as we ourselves have faced secret battles, we know others are doing the same.

7. "Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." — St. Francis of Assisi

Change and progress are difficult. Overcoming depression and anxiety takes work and time. We need to be patient with ourselves and take one step at a time. It's no good pushing too far or too fast; slow and steady wins the race.

When I look back over the past 10 years, I can see that I really have come a long way. There are things I can face now that I truly thought would always be impossible for me. I still have many challenges, but my progress gives me hope of what things might be like in another 10 years.

What is difficult for you now can be overcome; one day, it might not be difficult at all.

8. "Smile, breathe, and go slowly." — Thich Nhat Hanh

Have truer words ever been spoken?

Battling mental illness is constant; we can't just take a holiday from it all, as much as we'd like to. But we can be gentle with ourselves, and give ourselves the time to face our challenges slowly.

Pause. Take a breath. Take stock, and then continue.

9. "You don't have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you." — Dan Millman

There are certain realities of having a mental illness that we have to face. I know that, for me, unwanted thoughts and rumination are my biggest challenges. It may never be possible for me to simply not have these thoughts, but I am trying to build barriers between them and my true self.

We don't have to feel we've failed just because we can't control our thoughts. Forgive yourself for the dark images that come into your mind. Don't see it as evidence that your mental illness is winning.

Instead, see how you can have these thoughts and not act on them; have the thoughts, but don't give them control over your emotions and actions. That is the true victory.

10. "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." — Albert Einstein

Hope is a hard thing to have, especially when we're in the middle of a depressive episode or anxiety relapse. And it's also hard for those of us with a mental illness to "live for today." Instead, we dwell on the past and on what is coming in the future.

So perhaps Einstein's message here might be hard for us to put into practice. But we can try. It may be that hope is a skill we need to learn, and with practice, we will get better at it.

11. "There are far, far better things ahead than anything we leave behind." — C. S. Lewis

Yet another in this collection of quotes about overcoming depression and anxiety that is hard to believe — or, at least, to truly believe, in our hearts.

In my darkest moments, I've believed the future didn't hold anything positive for me. Perhaps you've been there too. Maybe, like me, you decided to keep going anyway, all while believing that "just getting by" was the best you could hope for.

While it's true I still have a lot of fears and anxieties about the future, I now believe my future is positive — at least somewhat positive. I'll have to fight to make it that way, of course.

The difference now is that I've been through the dark and come out the other side enough times to know I can do it again. You can, too; and we'll all building a better future for ourselves because of it. 

12. "You are not your illness." — Julian Seifter

If you take nothing else away from this collection of quotes, please take this one. Write it on your heart, as cheesy as that sounds. Believe it.

It might feel like mental illness is the biggest part of you — that having depression and anxiety is the most significant part of your daily life. I'll be honest: it does for me, even now.

But it does not define you. "You" — your true self — exist beyond mental illness.

You are not your illness.

13. "You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." — Misattributed to Buddha

And to end on a positive note:

Always remember that you are brave, strong, and worthy of all the good things in life.

Did any of these quotes stand out to you? Let me know in the comments below! Or, let me know some of your favorite quotes about overcoming depression and anxiety!

Read more stories like this on The Mighty:

To Those Who Think I'm 'Seeking Attention' When I'm Depressed

How the Navy's Treatment of My Problems Led to My Suicide Attempts

The Word That Hurts Me the Most as Someone With Depression

Who Needs Prince Charming? Strong Women Reign this Valentine's Day

DENVER, Jan. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Jewelry designer BB Becker noticed a jewelry trend that shows women are taking charge of their own happiness. While his engraved sterling silver creations feature hundreds of inspirational and romantic quotes, one has become a breakout star:

"Strong Women. May we know them, may we raise them, may we be them."

While most marketers focus on the ruffles and ribbons representative of romantic love around Valentine's Day, Becker noticed a distinct shift in consumer behavior. "Based on our sales, we see women are celebrating each other and themselves," he said. "Valentine's Day is no longer just about romance. It's about celebrating the people we love in all kinds of ways."

Women are purchasing pieces from The Strong Women Collection. for their mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and even themselves. "Think about the strongest woman you know. She was probably raised by a woman who was equally strong and if she has a daughter, you know she's being raised to understand her own power as well," said BB. "We've found entire families celebrating their bonds of strength by wearing pieces from this collection."

Infused with StrengthEach piece features distinctive handwritten script by BB's wife, Jo Becker. "She infuses strength, grace, and compassion into her work," said BB. It complements the energy he breathes into the jewelry designs. The artist draws on more than thirty years of experience as a Tai Chi Master to infuse spiritual energy into each piece. "I strive to connect with the universe's divine flow and capture its loving vibrations in each necklace and bracelet."

Valentine's Day GiftsThe Strong Women Collection features sterling silver necklaces and bracelets. From a statement pyramid link bracelet, to a delicate classic necklace, and a casual wrist cord, there is a great gift option for every strong woman in your life.

About BB BeckerEstablished in 2002, BB Becker is a Denver-based jewelry company that uses a proprietary process to inscribe inspirational handwritten quotes on sterling silver creations. Designer BB Becker is a Tai Chi Master who infuses each of his designs with the universal energy of harmony and grace. For more information visit bbbecker.com.  

Media Contact:Mark Becker303-917-4197208208@email4pr.com  

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/who-needs-prince-charming-strong-women-reign-this-valentines-day-300783323.html

SOURCE BB Becker

Copyright (C) 2019 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Limestone Lad Hurdle horse-by-horse guide and trainer quotes

Get trainer quotes plus our horse-by-horse guide to Sunday's Grade Three Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas.

Preview & trainer quotes

Gavin Cromwell expects to learn more about Espoir D'Allen's potential ambitions after he runs in the Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas on Sunday.

The son of Voix Du Nord was the star juvenile hurdler in Ireland in the first half of last season, winning his first four starts before disappointing at the inaugural Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.

Espoir D'Allen missed the rest of the campaign, but has returned seemingly better than ever this term - winning Grade Three prizes at Naas and Limerick respectively - and he will likely be a warm order to complete his hat-trick this weekend.

Cromwell said: "He has a penalty to carry, and it will be his first time going up against older horses, so that is a little bit of an unknown.

"But he seems in good nick at home, and Sunday will tell us more about where we're going with him."

Espoir D'Allen is a best-priced 25-1 for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, a race for which his owner JP McManus also has the ante-post favourite in dual winner Buveur D'Air.

Cromwell added: "We're just taking it one step at a time.

"The owner obviously has Buveur D'Air. He does have a Champion Hurdle entry, but we'll see what happens on Sunday before we start thinking about that."

Espoir D'Allen concedes 7lb to each of his four rivals, including a former winner of the Punchestown Champion Hurdle and the Irish St Leger in the Willie Mullins-trained Wicklow Brave.

Gordon Elliott is hoping for a bold show from Tombstone, who outran his huge odds when third behind Sharjah in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown last month.

"He ran a cracker last time and he's been in good form since that run," said Elliott.

"At the weights he doesn't look badly treated, and I hope he can run to the level of form he did at Leopardstown - although I'd say Gavin's horse will be hard to beat."

Jessica Harrington's mare Forge Meadow and Jarob from Gearoid O'Loughlin's yard are the other contenders.

Horse-by-horse guide

Espoir D'Allen

Described as a "horse for next year" by his trainer when slamming Stormy Island by eight lengths conceding 9lb, but has been given a Champion Hurdle entry and if he wins well once more will surely take it up. Only met defeat once so far, a year ago, but has been firmly back on track since winning on his reappearance here. That record also means he's unbeaten in this grade (2-2) and while stepping into open company for the first time, he does so with conditions in his favour and against horses who are exposed. Turn of foot a potent weapon and one we should see to winning effect.

Forge Meadow

Neck second in this last year when sent off 9/4 favourite, but this is a decidedly stronger renewal and she's up against it on the back of a tame return to hurdles last time. Could make the running but she'll be vulnerable when things get serious.

Jarob

Comfortably the lowest-rated of these, 12 years old and last seen running in a cross-country chase.

Tombstone

Solid mid-140s performer over both fences and hurdles and interesting to see him tried back in Grade One company again over Christmas. Ease in class here will help matters but fairly exposed in level-stakes events and could be better suited by handicaps a little later in the campaign.

Wicklow Brave

Fantastic dual-purpose horse, winner of a Group One on the level and a Grade One over Hurdles as his career prize money edges towards the million-pound mark. More recently, however, his success has come in much calmer waters and while this is markedly easier than when behind Apple's Jade and Sharjah earlier in the season, he's nonetheless vulnerable to a classy, younger horse. First time at Naas and it's two years since he won something roughly equivalent to this, but does come out best on the figures and is expected to run his race in defeat.

Verdict

This used to be a nice stepping stone to the Stayers' Hurdle when run over further, but now back to the minimum trip it could yet unearth a strong Champion Hurdle candidate in Espoir D'Allen. He's looked very good on both starts this season and two miles on decent ground looks ideal for a strong traveller with a serious turn of foot.

So far, Gavin Cromwell's horse has raced against those in his age group but with Tombstone and Wicklow Brave heading the opposition here, his first step into open company ought to be a successful one.

Tombstone might be interesting in a handicap chase at one of the spring festivals but for now looks the chief danger after a good run behind Sharjah. He holds Wicklow Brave on their earlier meeting and can fill the forecast spot.

19 Times Hilary Duff Was Real AF About Being a Mom

Instagram

Hilary Duff is an actress, singer, sister, daughter, hair color daredevil and so much more, but when all is said and done, she's a mom first.

In October, the Younger star welcomed her second child, a baby girl named Banks, with her boyfriend Matthew Koma making her a mother of two for the first time ever. Even though she's new to the mom-of-two game, she has been parenting son Luca (with ex-husband Mike Comrie) for six years, so she sort of has the mom thing down to a science. 

That doesn't mean however that the 31-year-old singer and actress has it all figured out.

In fact, more often than not Duff takes to social media to talk about the fact that she has nothing figured out, because she's human and humans have no real clue what they're doing...even if they seem calm and collected.

That was exactly the case on Tuesday, when Duff revealed a minor win to some, but a major win for a mom in an Instagram post.

After dropping Luca off at school she opened up to her followers about the fact that she had successfully managed her two kids on her own for the first day and her comments were totally relatable.

"Breastfeeding and making breakfast, getting 2 kids and myself dressed and packed and out the door while tripping over 4 dogs and feeding the damn fish was not easy. But I did it. And I'm proud of myself!" she shared in a shameless selfie style post.

Duff continued by saying that all moms deserve a freaking medal for doing this on a regular basis. "I'm proud of every mom out there who MAKES IT FREAKIN HAPPEN. All day! Everyday! You are the shit! Bad ass, super goddess, world taker oner and you deserved to be praised."

This is not the first time that the Texas native has been real and honest about being a mom and the struggles that come with it.

In fact, Duff is the queen at being open AF about being a mom, a parent in general and what it's like to be pregnant.

She's right, she does deserve to be praised as do all super goddess moms and that's why we've turned to Duff herself for some more sage wisdom and hilarious truths about motherhood below.

You go Hilary, we salute you and your mom truths!

Check out all of Duff's relatable quotes on parenting below and be ready to laugh (and maybe cry a little) at how spot on she is.

Instagram

Parent Drop Off Dilema

"Ok a few thoughts ... 100% real talk this is the first day I had two kids on my own on a school morning. Breastfeeding and making breakfast, getting 2 kids and myself dressed and packed and out the door while tripping over 4 dogs and feeding the damn fish was not easy. But I did it. And I'm proud of myself!" Duff wrote on this snap in January. "Im proud of every mom out there who MAKES IT FREAKIN HAPPEN. All day! Everyday! You are the shit! Bad ass, super goddess , world taker oner and you deserved to be praised❤️ ps laying outfits out for me baby and Luca was essential lol I even got 5 minutes to do some make up ..... then turned around to see Luca had used my lipstick as warrior paint on his face."

Instagram

Relatable AF

"Calling all parents of colic babies.....this ends right? Can you ever set them down with out them screaming OR waking up?" Duff asked her fellow mom followers in January after dealing with a colic baby. "We have read everything the internet has to offer... nothing besides nursing basically every hour or less helps! We have done all the obvious things ..please leave magic tricks in comments. Oh and happy new year lol #thankGforfilters #babyforsale!!! #anytakers."

Instagram

No Sleep Struggles

"We two months in sister. Been a lot of sleepless nights and you sure do scream a lot. But you are worth every moment my little strugglebunny," the Texas native shared about life with her new baby girl in December.

Snapchat

Kids Are Game Changers

"Having kids changes everything. Life's not really about you anymore," the Younger star told MyDomaine in December. "Having kids has taught me unbelievable patience and brought immense joy to my life." The one thing she wished she knew before having kids however is how much sleep she'd actually be getting. "I would have stocked up on sleep like a bear hibernating in the winter," she joked.

Instagram

Selfie Serious

"Don't get too get fancy very often these days. So I took a selfie to remember my old self ☺️... however the real thing to remember is that this tiny baby and spit up and sweat pants and not leaving the house is temporary and will actually be a phase that is gone too quickly❤️" Duff admitted on social media in December. 

Instagram

Balance Is Key

"I don't always balance it all, I do the best that I can, and some months are crazier than others," Duff told E! News in an exclusive interview in April. "I'm a mother first, so he's always my number one priority. And then my decision-making process is like, 'Hey can I make this work? Is he going to get enough of what he needs from me?'"

Instagram

Pregnancy Has It's Positives

"I think that pregnancy really prepares you and gets you ready for motherhood, you never know exactly quite what to expect," the blonde beauty told Parade after having kids. "On the positive side of things, it's amazing. I really felt like my life literally grew and you don't even know it's possible. It's taught me a lot of patience and to slow down and don't let the days pass you by."

Instagram

Worrying Is Part of the Game

"You're always worrying," Duff told Today about parenthood. "Everyone wants their kids' lives to go perfectly, which is obviously not possible all the time. But it's so fun. I'm so lucky."

Instagram

Pregnancy Truths

While pregnant with her daughter Banks in July 2018, the actress revealed the truths about pregnancy on Instagram with this bikini bump snap. "The boobs are big the belly is big the body is big. Man.. pregnancy is hard. Giving love to all mamas who make it look effortless... this journey is hard as hell and also incredibly special," she shared. "Lovely to have a little life inside and to day dream of all the new adventures to come buuuut almost impossible to get my own shoes on..sick of getting up 9 times a night to pee and looking at this weird body in the mirror that is not my own at the moment. Women are so bad ass, this was just a note to remind myself and remind others how's strong and beautiful you are! WE GOT THIS!"

Instagram

A Mother's Love

"Best thing that ever ever happened to me. I got the privilege of becoming a mother... and everyday I am grateful for his. #happymothersday to every mom out there that feels the same as I do," Duff wrote in 2017 for Mother's Day. "A mothers job is never done. But what a rewarding job it is❤️❤️."

Instagram

Every Family Dynamic Is Unique

"I think it has to happen slowly. I can only speak for my family and I know how hard it is to introduce nontraditional ideas, but you have to do what feels right," Duff told Parents.com about trying to navigate co-parenting and a new family. "By the way, just because you are a parent doesn't mean that your needs aren't important. That was a big thing for me to get over through my whole experience of trying to stay a team and a family outside of some normalcy shifting. I feel really lucky that Luca has the dad that he does, we have the relationship that we do, and I didn't make any big decisions quickly like moving forward with my life or introducing another child or person. I took my time with everything and I think that was the best for me and for Luca. And watching what you say is key, key, key."

Instagram

Motherhood Is a Gift

"This beautiful poem was given to me from the wonderful peter Herman who plays Charles on @youngertv I have to spend many days sometimes weeks away from luca when shooting and he gave me this poem when I was desperate to see and hold my boy," Duff shared along with a sweet poem in July 2017 admitting she missed her son. "Tears started falling down my face at the last four lines and still do when I read it. Motherhood is the greatest gift I have ever received. Everyday a new adventure or hurdle. My heart has grown bigger than I can explain. I think every mother or parent will find this poem as moving as I do ❤️enjoy."

Jose Perez / Splash News

More Mom Time

"I started to feel less guilt about taking time for myself, or you know, maybe not putting Luca to bed one night and going out with my girlfriends and having a fun dinner," Duff shared with E! News before welcoming baby number two. "That stuff rejuvenates you, and I matter too."

Instagram

Parenting Isn't Equal

When asked how important it is for Duff and her partner Matthew Koma to parent 50/50, the singer revealed that it is so not the case that mom and dad's responsibilities are split in half. "I don't believe in that; any mom would know that it's not 50/50. We have a way bigger responsibility always and forever," Duff told Parents.com. "I think it is important that they help in a different way that doesn't always pertain to the baby and the kid. I am a very proactive person and [Matt] is extremely helpful and I know he is going to be a natural but, in the beginning, the mom has most of the responsibility, so they have to pick up the slack in other areas."

Ari Perilstein / Getty Images for Feld Entertainment, Inc.

Mom Guilt Is Real

"I always feel torn or guilty about something. I'm not working right now, and at first I stressed about that, like, 'Oh, I shouldn't stay still this long.' And that's ridiculous. I have a child; it's totally fine to not be slammed all the time," she told RedBook in 2017. "It feels really good to not be on someone else's schedule — besides Luca's. I'm basically his chauffeur!"

Instagram

Co-Parenting Sucks

"Some of my friends tell me, 'God, it must be so nice, you get a break from your kid because you share him.' I'm divorced, and it sucks," Duff told Redbook in 2017 about the truth about co-parenting with her ex Mike Comrie. "Well, it did suck for a while; now it's just normal. But it's true, I do get a break. I had Luca by myself for a few weeks, no help, when Mike was on the road, and when he got home I was like, 'He's yours! Bye!'"

Stewy / Pularazzi / Chaos / BACKGRID

#MomBod

"Women are so amazing," the 31-year-old star told Shape when talking about women and their bodies post baby. "When I look at my body and see stretch marks from being pregnant, or my boobs aren't where they used to be, I look at Luca and think, 'I can't imagine my life without you, so if I have a few of these battle wounds from having you, I don't really care.'"

Hilary Duff/Instagram

Haters Can Back Off

After posting this sweet snap from Disneyland in 2016, Duff took to Instagram to clap back at haters judging her kiss with her son Luca. "For anyone commenting that a kiss on the lips with my four year old is 'inappropriate' go ahead and click a quick unfollow with your warped minds and judgement," she wrote.

Instagram

Stop Judging, Please

"Even before you have your baby you can start feeling the judgment. Becoming a mother that whole process is so special and so magical really, but it's also very isolating," Duff told Entertainment Tonight in 2015 about all of the judgement a parent gets from others.