Dear Lil’ Sister,

Let me start off by saying, despite what people tell you about high school, these four years will not be the best four years of your life. It may not seem like it now, but there is so much more to this beautiful life of yours than just the four years you spend in high school. The awkward boy encounters, puberty and girl drama will, for the most part, stop after high school. Trust me, I know it’s hard to believe that now, and you’re probably thinking, Gee, thanks for the lame futuristic wisdom, but hear me out. I’ve been where you are, and I know for a fact that the things that bother you in high school become nothing but a faint memory soon after graduation. So, take it with a grain of salt, embrace every second of the innocent and carefree high school years you have left. And, most importantly, don’t forget that things can only get better from here.

That being said, I want you to know how beautiful of a person you are, inside and out. I know that you stand in front of the mirror sometimes, eyes brimming with tears, tearing your body apart with your harsh (and unrealistic) ideals of perfection. I know you wish your hair was just a little bit longer, your thighs were a little bit smaller and your eyes were a different color. But your insecurities only exist to you. I promise you that no one judges you as hard as you judge yourself. Stop letting your insecurities win, don't let them define you, don't let them change you and don't let them hold you back. You are worth so much more than the silly little things that bother (only) you in the mirror. You are the star athlete on your team, or the bright student in the classroom, or the friendly face in the hallway that everyone gravitates towards, that's what makes you you, not the insecurities floating around in your head. And like Beyonce said, “we flawless,” and she’s never wrong soo ...

But on a serious note, I know that I don't tell you this enough — because I’m older and cooler than you, duh — but I want you to know how incredibly proud of the young woman you have become. I remember when we used to fight over whose Barbie was prettier and the time I convinced you to eat soap in the bathtub (can't say that I’m sorry for that one) and when we used to pretend we had our own TV show. And now, all of the sudden, you are your own (almost) grown-up woman. You are so full of life — just bursting with energy and charisma that when you walk into a room. It’s you that everyone wants to talk to. You make everyone around you smile with your lame jokes or your cheesy impersonations of Vines. I wish you could see how much of an impact you have on those around you, because I can, and I can tell you that you truly are so special.

I should probably thank you for being my best friend, too, because above it all you have always been my rock. Even though you’re younger than me, thanks for hugging me when I’m upset and threatening to beat up boys for me (because we both know you’re the aggressive one in the family). As we grow older, the age difference between us seems to become less noticeable, and I find myself considering you more of my best friend nowadays (with the perks of calling you my sister too!).

So, if you’re going to take anything away from this rant that I’ve been going on for a while now with, just remember that I will always be here for you no matter what! I am still funnier than you, but don't forget that you can get through anything, and when you start to think that you can’t, call me.

Love,
Your Big Sister