Becoming an aunt, especially at such a young age, has taught me many valuable life lessons. I was given the wonderful opportunity to be able to watch these tiny humans begin to grow up while I was still growing up myself. Thanks to my nieces, I have begun to learn the arts of patience and understanding. I have learned how to care for someone other than myself. I have learned that children unintentionally will say some of the most hilarious things you will ever hear. I have learned that sometimes a 6-year-old and an 8-year-old are more fabulous than half of the people you know. But most importantly, I have learned that there are so many things that I wish someone had told me when I was their age.
1. I am always just a phone call away.
No matter how far apart we may be, I will always be here to talk if you ever need me. After all, what's the point of being a cool aunt if I'm not around to give cool aunt advice?
2. Never lose your zest for life.
Especially as you grow older. Children are naturally capable of encompassing a sense of freedom, of living their cheerful little lives as lighthearted free spirits. But somewhere along the way, we tend to lose this side of us. Try to stay connected to it.
3. You are beautiful the way you are.
Even when you think you aren't. Even when others think you aren't. You never, ever have to cake on a face of makeup or dress to the nines to impress anyone. You are a natural beauty.
4. Technology is overrated.
Seriously though, this is the only time of your life that it is acceptable to run around outside, to jump through sprinklers, to climb trees, to play capture the flag — go do those things. Be a kid. Instagram will still be there when you get back.
5. Try your best.
In school, and in all aspects of your life, for that matter. As long as you try your best, nothing else matters. Even if you fail, it is always better to have tried hard than to not have tried at all.
6. Ask questions.
About your schoolwork, about life, about the world in general. Questions are the key to knowledge, which is ultimately the key to success. Never be too shy to ask questions and to expand your knowledge on the world around you.
7. Sometimes friends are fake.
Unfortunately, you may come in contact with friends like these, who will not last a lifetime to say the least. But purging yourself of these types of friends is unavoidably the best thing to do. You should only ever be friends with people who make you feel good about yourself and who you enjoy being around. Never feel the need to keep around negative people. You don't need them in your life.
8. Sometimes boys suck.
Although it pains me to say, you may experience heartbreak at some point in your life. Sometimes feelings aren't reciprocated, and sometimes feelings are too strong on one end. Sometimes things just simply don't work out. But you will get past it. You just have to blast some Taylor Swift, shed a few tears and then move on to someone better who will like you for exactly who you are.
9. You are stronger than you think.
I know you will be able to get through any obstacle that comes your way. Every struggle in life is only temporary and I am confident that you will gracefully be able to overcome any hardship you face, and will leave it with more wisdom, experience, and strength than you had beforehand.
10. Don't let fear hold you back.
Growing up, and life in general, can be scary sometimes. But never be afraid to chase your ambitions. Put 100% into everything you do, even if it frightens you. Overcoming that fear just might lead to something amazing.
11. Do what you love.
Life is too short to do anything else. Find your passion and stick to it. If it's something you love, you will find success in it - even if the success is just your happiness while doing it.
12. Dream big.
No one ever got anywhere by having minuscule dreams. Reach for the stars. Take risks. Allow yourself the opportunity to fulfill even your wildest dreams.
13. Never let anyone bring you down.
There will always be people in life that will try to undermine your accomplishments and aspirations. Never forget how amazing you are or your magnificent ability to accomplish anything you wish to do. Never let anyone take that away from you. Never let anyone dull your sparkle.
14. Don't grow up too quickly.
Even though I know you want to. When you're a child, the only thing you want is to be older. But please, take it from me, let yourself be a kid. Don't rush your growing-up process. You'll miss it when you're older.
15. Enjoy every moment.
Don't take anything for granted. You are living a marvelous life and you have so many exhilarating life experiences left to go through. Enjoy these moments while they last, because, eventually, they will all just be memories.
