An Open Letter To My Little Siblings

As I grew up, I got to watch you grow up. We are different people, but are still so alike in many ways. Even though we argue you know in the end I want what is best for you. Of course, as your older sibling, I will always be your second mom. I'm going to boss you around and tell you when something you do is wrong. I don't do it because I want to be annoying (sometimes I do though), I do it because I care where you will go in life and want to see you succeed. It is obvious that I know everything, and know what is best for you at all times. (sarcasm, don't worry).

Don't let others bring you down.

Throughout your life there will be people who will try to break you and bring you down. They don't like to see you happy and will do everything in their power to bring you down. Do not let them get to you and keep on smiling. Stand up for yourself and others around you. Do not let people behave inappropriately to others. Stand up for others like I stand up for you. Be the big sibling to everyone else you care about. Never ever let others comment on your dreams--as though they are unachievable or ridiculous. Be realistic about your dreams and do everything in your power to achieve them. This is your life, not theirs. I will always help you reach your goals and do my best to make sure you achieve them.

Pay attention to all my decisions.

When I tell you that I have been there, listen. Really listen. Chances are you will find yourself in similar situations I have already lived through. I will tell you what not to do and give you suggestions on which path to take. Do not think I am just trying to sabotage your life but really consider what I am saying. I do not want you to make the same mistakes I have made in my life, nor make the mistakes I have seen others do. Use my life as a trial run and truly optimize your decisions.

If you ever need advice, I am here for you. I will always be here to tell you what you should and shouldn't do. Don't worry, I won't tell mom either. Be smart with your decisions and think about the long term effects they may cause. Do not just think that fun is worth it, sometimes the decision goes deeper than the next few hours. Think of others you care about when making decisions and if they would approve. Always pick up a phone if you need advise. I'll always be available for you.

Don't ever give in to peer pressure.

The older you get, the more peer pressure you will face. Do not think for one minute your friendship with others is based on an ultimatum. Your true friends will always be your friends regardless of a decision you make. You do not have to please everyone else by doing what they want you to do. You do not have to live your life based on what others think is cool. Remain strong willed and know you do always have a choice. I'm here to tell you, after high school, it will not matter if you were popular or not.

Stay close to your real friends who do not put you in situations that would make you feel uncomfortable, and stay away from those who tease you for feeling uncomfortable. Stick with your gut feeling. You can always use me as an excuse to get out of a situation. Tell them I will kill you if you do something or that I am already on my way to pick you up. I hope you know you can come to me when times are tough, or when you need help.

No matter how old you are, I will always protect you.

Regardless of your age, I will always be there to save you and help you. I will always protect you from others and try to shield you from pain. When you have your first heartbreak, or lose a friend, I will always be there for you. If a friend is bullying you, or not being fair, expect me to be there to tell them to be nice. I hope you will always be kind to others to an extent, but always put your feelings first and not let others take advantage of your generosity. Stay true to who you are and don't let others determine what choices you take.