Having a sister much younger than myself has changed me in ways that I cannot begin to express through words. She has given me more wisdom in the past 10 years of our lives together than I could gain in a lifetime of experiences without her. I have built a relationship that I will never find with anyone else, and for that I am extremely thankful. I know many people don't have this bond, but I would love to share what I have learned from my younger sibling, so here are just 10 of the millions of things my sister has taught me:
1. You're never too old to spend a night in watching Disney Channel Original Movies.
Cherish the times when it is socially acceptable to take a whole evening to yourself (maybe even multiple times a week, but that's OK, no judgement here) to stay in and avoid all your responsibilities while binge-watching DCOMs. You'll miss these days when you're stuck late at work or studying for hours on end.
2. It's OK to cry.
Seriously. I know this is hard to convince yourself of, but just do it. You will feel so much better after a good cry. Have you ever noticed how one second a little kid will be absolutely bawling their eyes out over the tiniest thing, and the next second they will be completely fine like nothing even happened? Try it! Maybe don't cry over bedtime, but crying over dropping your ice cream cone is totally acceptable.
3. Never be afraid to speak your mind.
Kids are painfully honest, and by doing so they live a much easier, and nearly stress-free lifestyle (also, a much more comedic one). There's no reason not to say how you feel because in the end you'll have quite the weight lifted off your shoulders, and will be able to live a more carefree life!
4. Eat the last piece of cake.
This is another one of those little lessons that I know is extremely hard to convince yourself to do. But, seriously. Just do it. One piece of cake isn't going to make you gain a hundred pounds. It's going to make you super happy, like those little kids that giggle hysterically when their parents let them have a second cookie. Don't we all just want to experience that kind of pure bliss?
5. Laugh hysterically.
I don't care if you sound like a dying animal (because, let's be real, a lot of little kids do), if your'e laughing, then your'e having a good time and that's all that matters. Enjoy yourself to the fullest and laugh uncontrollably until your belly hurts.
6. Screw the bullies.
Isn't is crazy how little kids can get over things so quickly? One day they're getting teased, but the next they've forgotten all about it. Applying that to my own life has been one of the most invaluable tools I've learned from my baby sister. Screw the bullies, the haters, and the non-motivators. Forget them and focus on yourself, because your own self-image is more important than anyone else's opinion.
7. Every day is a new day.
Use all of your tomorrows as a fresh start. A bad day is only a bad day, not a bad life. Little kids can have the worst day ever, and the have the best day ever all within the same 24-hour span. Maintain a positive outlook on life by pushing through and using every morning as a new beginning.
8. Always ask for the extra five minutes.
Stay up the extra five minutes. Nap for another five minutes. Snuggle under the covers for another five minutes. Whatever it is, take an extra five minutes. Most importantly, take five minutes to breathe and have a "you" moment. It's extremely refreshing.
9. Being easily distracted isn't always a curse.
A lot of people mistake a child's natural sense of curiosity as being easily distracted, and while it isn't always curiosity, so what? Explore the world in little ways. Stare out the window and watch the passerby, turn on your favorite song when your'e studying, and especially go through all the of pictures you found in the basement looking for wrapping paper.
10. Love everything as best you can.
My favorite thing that my sister has taught me is to love everything I do with my whole heart. If you don't love it, don't make yourself do it, but make sure that if you are doing something find the passion you have within yourself and utilize it.
