The world is often cruel and scary. It’s difficult growing up and trying to develop your own sense of self when society has placed standards on who you should be. It’s even worse when these standards aren’t just placed on you from outside sources, but from people you know, like family and friends. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to be anything except yourself. (Cue theOne Tree Hill" theme song.)
If you know any young girls, show them how to be strong, independent, and kind women by being one yourself. Also, here are ten pieces of advice that you can pass along to the girls who need to hear it:
1. If a boy picks on you, he’s a jerk.
Don’t ever put up with someone being cruel to you. You don’t deserve that, now or ever.
2. Being smart is cool as hell.
If your classmates make fun of you, it means that they wish they were more like you. Keep learning and eventually you can learn how to build a rocket to shoot all of your haters into outer space.
3. Your friends will be the first people to break your heart.
It’ll hurt. Take that experience and grow from it. Were you in the wrong? Apologize. Were they in the wrong? Forgive them, but decide if you need them in your life. Just remember, you’ll always have new friends waiting around the corner, so never settle for crappy friends.
4. Numbers are NOT important.
Your grades, your weight, your bank account – none of it matters.
5. Your parents are humans.
Sometimes they’re wrong. Sometimes they won’t apologize for being wrong. Don’t let it hinder your growth. Don’t let it make you bitter.
6. Boys are dumb.
When one breaks your heart or one of your friend’s hearts, say this out loud: He is not worth it. Then, turn on Grey’s Anatomy and figure out how to have a friendship like *Meredith and Cristina because #GIRLPOWER is essential to having a full and happy life. (Depending on your mood: *Parks and Rec *Leslie and Ann)
7. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind.
Some people will try to silence you. When that happens, speak louder. Your ideas and thoughts should be shared. That’s what will make the world a better place. If anyone tells you to be quiet, kindly reply, “No thanks,” and keep talking.
8. Read good books.
Seriously, nothing is more important than books. You’ll learn about the world, about friendships, about yourself, and you’ll develop your imagination.
9. Go after your dreams.
It’ll be scary. Really scary. You might not know what your “dreams” are for a very long time, but you’ll eventually find something you love. When you do, don’t let anything stand in your way. You only get one life – do things that make you happy!
10. Ask for help if you need it.
If you need someone to help you with homework, be a shoulder for you to cry on, or to watch movies and eat copious amounts of pizza with – there will always be someone for you to go to. You are loved.
