Ya'Layna, you turn 16 shortly after Thanksgiving and as much as that freaks me out, I am so excited for you. You're growing up and you're going to start learning how to drive and then you're not going to need me as much anymore *sniffle*. But, before you turn 16 and start ignoring me for driving and cooler things, I have a few things I want you to remember and hold on to.
1. Keep your heart open.
Life is going to suck a lot sometimes, and you're going to want to build walls and shut it all out. But it's important to always keep your heart open to new people and new experiences.
2. Never stop learning.
There are always new things to learn. You can gain knowledge from everything. Always be willing to learn something new because you never know what that knowledge could bring you.
3. Change is a good thing.
Your life will change a million times in a million different ways. That's perfectly okay. Change brings great things sometimes. Be open to it, embrace it, learn from it.
4. Learn to pick your battles.
I know you have a rough time with this one. But sometimes there are things that aren't worth fighting and losing someone over. Just choose when to fight to the death for something, and when to take a back seat.
5. Don't be afraid to aim high.
You can do anything you set your mind to. Don't be afraid to aim as high as you possibly can and be as successful as you would like to be. You're a strong person, use that.
6. Remember that you will always have me.
If there is anyone on this planet that will bug you forever, it's me. I will always be here whether you're 16 and need boy help or 60 and just wanna talk.
7. Always remember your worth.
You, baby sister, are worth more than anything else in the world. Remember that, carry yourself like you believe that, and never let anyone treat you less than you deserve to be treated.
8. Always remember how precious the little things are.
There's beauty and strength in small things. Sometimes it's the little things like donuts on Sunday mornings that make you happy enough to keep going. Hold onto them.
9. Keep your faith.
Life get's tough. Keep faith that everything will work out for the best.
10. It's okay to not be okay.
You don't always have to be strong. It's okay to cry and it's okay to struggle. Everyone does it.
11. Communication is extremely important.
Never hesitate to say what is on your mind and heart. Talk openly and honestly with the people you care about. Secrets only hurt you in the end.
12. No one is perfect. It's okay to make mistakes.
Take a look at me, I have made and continue to make a lot of mistakes, but I'm only human. Accept that you will lose your way sometimes. But you'll always find your way back.
13. Be your own warrior.
Sometimes other people aren't going to fight for or with you. You have to be strong enough to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. Don't depend on other people to do so.
14. There are right times to be silent.
This one is a hard one. There are some times when things are better left unsaid, acknowledge those times and take advantage of them. You can use them for reflection.
15. Be patient. Everything in life has a purpose.
One day something is going to happen that really throws you for a loop or two and you're going to want it all to be fixed right away and be fixed your way. But, sometimes life doesn't go that way and you have to be patient and wait for the storm to pass. Everything happens for a reason and sometimes the worst circumstances have the best outcomes.
16. Never stop being you.
You are incredible. You're strong, independent, beautiful, and wise beyond your years. Never stop being the person that you are because there is absolutely no one else like you.
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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