This letter is dedicated to my little sister Payton, and all of the other little “sisters” I have acquired in my almost 20 years on this planet.

Dear Little Sister(s),

There is a lot of information the world won’t tell you about growing up. There are a lot of situations that school won’t prepare you for. There are so many facts our parents will tell you, but you won’t take them seriously (even though you probably should) and that’s where I come in.

I love you more than most other people on this planet, and let’s be real, we both know that I have an incredibly strong distaste for most people. First of all, what they don’t tell you about growing up is the world will do anything it can to tear you down; but I’m here to tell you that no matter what, you can’t let the world make you hard. Whenever the world knocks you down a notch or two, just come running to your big sis, and I’ll tell you all the things you need to hear, and news flash, they’ll be true. You are beautiful, and you are kind. You have a heart way to big for high school, or for that boy (or girl?) to understand. This is just one step of heartbreak on your road to success. This is not the end of your world, even if it feels that way. You are strong, and you have tasks to accomplish that are bigger than these small minded people around you can even imagine.

What they don’t tell you in school is that sometimes, you’ll be your own worst enemy. Believing that you can achieve something is the first step to being successful. Don’t believe anyone when they tell you that you can’t do something. I’m here to tell you that they are completely wrong. If I believed people when they told me I couldn’t do something, or wouldn’t accomplish my dreams, I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today. You are capable of accomplishing any achievement you put your mind to.

Another lesson I have learned that they don’t teach you in school is something Meredith Grey and Christina Yang taught me. As Christina says to Meredith when they are about to part ways, “He is not the sun. You are the sun.” Never ever let a boy (or girl) become the sun in your life. You are better than orbiting around your significant other. You are worthy of being so much more than that. If someone wants to be the sun in your life, you have to show them your inner shine.

Your teachers will say it, and so will mom and dad, and hopefully you listen, but just in case you don’t, here I am to reinforce it. Please always act your age. When you are fourteen, don’t dry to act sixteen, or eighteen. You only get to be each age once, and growing up isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Kissing boys (or girls) and everything else that comes along with it is not all it’s cracked up to be, I promise. All that kissing can wait for another day or another year. Also, as you get older, your friends might decide to drink, or do drugs. I’ll tell you what our parents will tell you, it’s not worth it, don’t do it, just wait until you’re older. I will have the optimism our parents have, and hope that you choose not to go down either or both of those roads. But if you do make a mistake and go down that path, don’t be scared to ask me, or someone else for help when you need it. Never, ever be afraid to ask for help. We have all been there, and we will be supportive, and as long as I am alive I promise you that you will never be alone in life.

There are so many more lessons that you will learn along the way. Some of them will knock you down, but what’s important is that you always get up. The falls, bumps and bruises aren’t important, it’s your reaction to them that counts. What they don’t tell you about growing up is that being sad is just as okay as being happy. Your emotions are your emotions, never let anyone tell you how you should feel or that your feelings are invalid or wrong. Sometimes we just need to be sad, we need to mourn what we have lost or how we have been hurt, and that is okay. Just remember that you don’t need to be sad forever, there is always a bigger, better and brighter horizon coming.

What they don't tell you about growing up is that it is okay to not fit in. It is okay to stand out, to be original, to be yourself. You don't have to pretend to be someone else or be fake to get someone to like you; I promise if you have to do that it, they aren't worth it anyways. It's perfectly fine not to gossip, in fact, I have a rule, never say anything about someone behind their back that you wouldn't say to their face. Living by that rule will prevent a lot of unnecessary drama in your life, and it will get you respect.

But most importantly my love, always remember that inner beauty is what is important, tomorrow is always an opportunity for a brand new day and remember to always spread love, not hate, and that nothing in life is promised. I will always be here to remind you of these lessons and many more, and to pick you up when you fall. I can’t wait to see all the places you go and amazing achievements you accomplish, even if it kills me that you aren’t so “little” anymore.

Love,

Your big sister and biggest fan

P.S. Please stop stealing my clothes while I’m away at school. I really don’t appreciate it, I know my style is the bomb and I’d like to keep it that way.