Aunts: Like a mom, but cooler.
Dear Nieces and Nephews,
I'll be honest here, when you were little, you kinda got on my nerves. You cried a lot, you pooped a lot, and you slept a lot. But here we are years later and everything has changed. I wouldn't change anything about who you are. I am so blessed to get to see you grow up and mature into the person that God created you to be.
So, as your aunt, here are some key things that I want you to know:
1. You are always loved.
I will love you no matter what happens. When your crayons break and you throw a fit, when you can't find that ONE Lego piece that means the world to you, when your girlfriend/boyfriend breaks up with you, when your parents are upset with you, I will always be here for you.
2. You are enough.
Do not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough. You're beautiful, handsome, smart, talented, and so much more. Just tell those bullies that talk down to you to come see me, your big scary aunt. I promise, they won't do anything else to you.
3. Don't let anyone discourage you.
When you're drawing those silly doodles, don't let anyone tell you that you're not doing wonderful. You're going to wonderful places! No matter if you want to be an actor, a vet, a doctor, a missionary, or a business manager, don't let anyone tell you that you can't.
4. Be brave.
Life is about having adventures. Be brave enough to walk on the paths that no one else will take. I'm not saying for you to go crazy and do reckless things, but I am saying that you need to be brave enough to step out of your comfort zone.
5. Find something that you love, stick with it.
It's hard to find something that you love enough to stick with it forever, but try to find your thing. Art was my thing. Now, art is the only thing that can relieve my stress. Whether it is writing, poetry, drawing, singing, playing music, running, swimming, find your thing. Trust me, it doesn't seem important now, but when challenges come in your life, you need something to fall back on when you have nothing else!
Most of all, know that you can come to me anytime, anywhere. It doesn't matter if it is midnight, if I'm in class, if I'm at work, I will always be available to you whenever you need me. I'll be here to listen, to give advice, to comfort, I'll be whatever you need.
