Dear Lily,
I have a question. How in the world are you 14 years old already? Where's the little girl who danced through the house on her tippy-toes and wore diapers on her head? I suppose she's probably binge-watching "How I Met Your Mother" or composing intricate piano pieces. Either way, she's doing teenagery things, and it's weirding me out, man.
I stopped being a teenager just as you started. I'm halfway done with college, and in less than a week, you'll begin your four-year adventure as a high-schooler. I know you're excited. Excited to meet new people, excited to play tennis and join drama club, excited to start fresh and grow up a little. I know you're also nervous. Nervous to meet new people, nervous to try new things and push your limits. I'm nervous that you'll grow up too much.
I'd tell you that you have nothing to worry about, but that's not true. There will be days where getting up at 6:30 a.m. feels like torture. You'll go weeks without time to yourself. You'll forget to turn in assignments and make stupid mistakes on tests. Remember, what's done is done; you can only write it in your planner and do better next time. You'll lose friends you've had for years, but you just might make new ones who will last for decades. High school is full of change.
High school is also full of firsts. You'll attend your first prom. You'll go to your first unchaperoned party. You'll get your first college letter. You'll drive a car for the first time (let's hope you don't back it into your boyfriend's Mitsubishi, like I did). Oh, and you might meet someone, go to the movies, have your first kiss, and fall in love. That process might make you feel light as air one moment or like a prisoner the next. You might not do any of those things. That's fine, too. But just in case, please remember that there are no rules to relationships except respect, honesty, and kindness. If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, ignore them. Go with your gut and do what makes you feel happy and fulfilled. Don't make promises you cannot keep, and don't hold onto something that drains you.
"This above all: to thine own self be true." Seriously, though, Shakespeare had it right. You are a smart, quirky, creative, talented, and kindhearted human. Pursue your interests, even if they're off the beaten track. Listen to good music. Read weird books. Talk about Japan and Edvard Grieg and cats and dreams and politics and religion. Keep your mind open, and you'll attract open-minded individuals. Do not conform. Appearance means nothing next to your inner workings. I know and love you as you are; give others the chance to do the same.
You're going to have a lot of fun during the next four years, Lil. You and your friends will make jokes that will last longer than they probably should. You'll learn a lot about the world, about people, and about yourself. Don't stress about the future; you've got all good things coming.
Love from your older and wiser sister,
Elizabeth
