Sisters are the darnedest things, aren't they? We love them one minute, then we hate them the next.
My sister and I have definitely had our ups and downs. We have fought about everything from the kind of clothes we wear to the time we want to go see a movie. Despite what ever crazy things we argue over, or what we disagree on, I will always be thankful that my little sister is there, ready to handle life with me. Despite her being almost two years younger than I am, it seems that she is much more perceptive than I could ever dream of being.
Here are 10 of the most important things my little sister taught me about being a woman:
1. The size pants you wear does not directly correlate to your self-worth.
I went through some difficult times when all I ate were Cheerios and oranges—when I hated my body and struggled every day to look in the mirror. My sister taught me that starving yourself won't make you happy. Being perfect is no fun. It's about learning to love yourself, even if your weight fluctuates and your hair is messy. It's one of the most important lessons a woman could ever learn.
2. You do not have to justify your feelings to anyone.
You have every right to feel. I remember the exact moment my sister uttered this sentence. I remember being struck by the perplexity and simplicity of such an astute comment. How could someone so much younger than me understand such a concept when I continued to struggle with it?
3. Don't bother with friends that aren't real.
If there is a friend of yours that's not treating you right or dragging you down, don't waste your time. You have to do what's best for you.
4. Stand up for what you believe in, even when it isn't the most popular.
Despite the fact that my parents were wary of my sister pursuing photography seriously, she has not wavered from the idea that in the long run. She intends to become the photographer she has always dreamed of being. I am so proud of her for that.
5. Don't apologize.
Women often get a bad rap for saying what they think. She taught me that you have to stick to your thoughts and not back down, because apologizing makes you look weak and undecided. Stand your ground.
6. Don't settle for anything less than your dreams.
My sister wanted to be an honors student, so she became one. My sister wanted to get into U of M, so she did. Make yourself what you want to be and work hard to get there.
7. Always express your opinion.
Don't be afraid to be opinionated. Be solid within yourself. Know who you are and what you want. This is important especially for women in relationships. Being able to know what you want and how to get there is essential.
8. When you walk in heels, pretend you're toeing the line.
My sister was always much more interested in things like hair and make up than I was. By the time my first homecoming dance rolled around, she was the one teaching me how to balance in heels and look fierce. Thank goodness she was around, otherwise I would have looked like a bumbling idiot.
9. If someone can't handle your opinions, they're not worth talking to.
My sister never quiets down her inner self. She simply is who she is, and if someone doesn't like it, she stays out of their way. If a friend of hers or a friend of mine is making decision's that are negatively influencing them, you better bet she's going to ask them what's going on and set them straight.
10. Be a bad*ss b*tch.
See above.
I hope one day I can be just as confident and comfortable in my own skin as my sister is.
