Dear me,
There are so many things I want to tell you, more things than I can fit in this letter.
If I could give you only one piece of advice right now, it would be to never change who you are. Go outside in your favorite dress. Play in the mud, get grass stains on your knees. Explore in the woods and play with the salamanders and the frogs that you find. Who cares if you get dirty? Keep singing at the top of your lungs to Hilary Duff while you help cook dinner. Play school with your little brothers. Enjoy being bossy while you can. Don’t feel guilty about that second piece of birthday cake. Embrace your curly pigtails and your chubby, rosy cheeks.
You love to explore and you’re curious about the world. You’re a brilliant, creative, and bright girl. Your smile can light up the room. People are going to try to take that away from you; don’t let them. No one can dim your shine unless you give them the opportunity to.
You’re going to face a lot of difficult things soon. Things that seem impossible and intimidating, and some days you might not think you’ll get through them; I promise that you will. Life will get harder. Never second-guess your strength. It’s okay to cry and to feel sad. Nothing about the way you feel is wrong. You don’t always have to be the strong one, even though it feels like it. It’s okay to let your guard down and trust people. Not everyone will hurt you.
Someday soon you’re going to watch Mommy and Daddy split. Please don’t think it’s your fault, no matter how many times they take their anger out on you. You’re always going to be daddy’s little girl. They love you, even though they don’t always know how to show it.
I know the world seems so big and scary. There are so many things you don’t understand yet, and you shouldn’t have to. You’re too young to feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, and I’m sorry that you do. I promise you that it won’t be this way forever. You’re small and unsure about the world. You get told the world is bad and you’ve seen horrible things that you never should have seen. Please believe me when I tell you that the world is actually a beautiful place, and there’s so much to hold hope for.
When 5th grade comes, and you feel so anxious to grow up because middle school is coming, don’t compare yourself to the other girls. You don’t need to shave your legs yet. Trust me, someday you’ll wish you never have to. You don’t need Abercrombie. It’s a waste of money for just a logo T. Love your sparkly dresses and sweaters. You’re not going to remember what you were wearing; you’re just going to remember the memories you’ve made. Most importantly, don’t compare your body to any other girl’s. You have no idea how much its going to hurt you in the future. You’re growing and changing, and you’re more than beautiful just the way you are. I know finding your place is difficult these days and feels like the most important thing, but its not. Don’t change who you are in order to fit in. You’re never going to find where you feel you belong if you’re never your true self.
Boys will break your heart. Girls will be mean. Don’t let them ruin your mascara. You will be okay. There are worse things out there than not being invited to that sleepover. Don’t hurt yourself over it. It’s not worth it.
One last thing, be humble, but don’t be afraid to celebrate your accomplishments. Your dreams are big, and they’re reachable. Every small accomplishment is one step closer to where you want to be. Don’t ever give up.
I will love you always.
Love, me
