We spend most of our lives wanting to grow up- to be older, to be wiser. We make plans to be princesses, astronauts, and firefighters. Then we want to be teachers and lawyers. You wait for the day that you have your life and can fulfill all your dreams. But here’s a little secret from all of us big kids: slow down.
I know how hard growing up can be, I remember what it’s like and I have some advice to the little sister who isn’t so little anymore. So, to my little sister, to every teenage girl who’s confused by her world, and to the big sisters who don’t know how to explain that bond, here you go:
First of all, at 16 everything feels like the end of the world- but it’s not. The boy who breaks your heart may not care, and it will be one of the worst pains that you’ll ever feel. A part of you may feel like you’ll never move on; but you will. You are stronger than the butterflies a boy gives you, and more beautiful than he ever said you were. The secrets you’ve never told won’t break you down; they will build you up. The tears you cry will stain your skin and turn it into your armor. You will grow to feel comfortable in your own skin. You will learn to love your laugh and the freckles on your face that you once hated.
Second, this is a time in your life when you will realize who your real friends are. As you grow older, you’ll realize what you want in your life; perhaps you’ll set up goals, maybe you’ll visit college or get your first job. Sometimes, when we grow, the people around us can’t always be proud of us; sometimes they can’t move on the same way. That’s okay. You will grow into a beautiful, strong young woman with friends who hold your head high when you can’t do it by yourself. You will cry and people will wipe your tears. You will laugh, and they’ll be the source of the happiness. The people who don’t stick around aren’t the people you need in your life.
Finally, remember that the adults that pester you, the teachers that annoy you, and the big sister who drives you crazy, are all the people who see your sparkle. We see your ability to light up a room, and we see how amazing of a person you will one day become. Take advantage of every opportunity in life because this is a time to get to know yourself, understand your mind, make goals for yourself, make plans to try new things or travel.
One thing you must understand is that to a big sister you will always be our baby sister. We still remember your favorite books from when you were a little girl, we remember how much you bugged us; we felt your pain when you felt pain. We remember holding your hand at the dentist and how contagious your laugh is. You may grow to be one of the strongest people we know, and you may grow up into an amazing woman- but you’ll always be my little sister and never forget it.
