Dear little sister,

If you are reading this, I want you to stop and read what I have to say. I only say these things because I care about you and I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I made, or have you hurt.

First I want to start off by saying don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something, because you and I both know that you are capable of accomplishing anything that you set your mind to.You are young and you have all the time in the world to try new things, make new and positive relationships, and figure out who you are. If somebody tells you “you can’t”, that is when you turn to them and say “I can”.

Don’t let anybody degrade your confidence, because you and I both know that you are such a pretty, caring, smart, and athletic young girl. Don’t let someone make you think twice about your appearance or the way you go about doing something.You are the only person who knows you best, so don’t listen to what people have to say. Yes, it is hard to hear something and let it go right out the other ear, but I am telling you, they aren’t worth your time, because they are just looking for attention and a reaction. And if someone thinks they can pick on you, make you upset, or lower your confidence and how you see yourself, then they clearly struggle with their own kinds of personal issues.

Don’t be afraid to fail. Everybody makes mistakes and by making mistakes is how you learn. So what you failed your math test, go and practice the problems you got wrong, go seek your teacher for help, ask Mom and Dad, ask me. There are always ways to overcome failure. Failure is nothing to be afraid of, because failure simply is not a thing. You can only better yourself from your attempts to succeed. Even if you have to retake that math test three times, as long as you keep trying and don’t give up you are golden.

Don’t lose sleep over a boy who is being dumb. You really don’t need a boy to make you happy, or make you smile, or send you cute text messages. Boys are fun to be around, yes, but you don’t need a boyfriend. You are far too young to think that a boy is the most important thing in life, because let me tell you, you are far too good for them even if you don’t think so. Boys are silly, don’t let them fool you. Focus on yourself and who you are and what makes you happy, because that’s when you’ll be most content with yourself.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Trying new things is the only way you’ll find out if you truly like something and want to continue with it. Whether it’s trying out a new kind of food or you’re trying out a new club at school, go for it! You have absolutely nothing to lose by simply trying something out. If you don’t try, then you won’t know what you like.

Don’t forget that I love you. You are my little sister, my best friend, my family, my mini me. I love you. I will always be here for you no matter what it is. You can always come to me with anything, whether it is school related, boy problems, friends, or you just want to get out of the house and go for a drive. You can come to me with anything that is on your mind, because chances are I have already experienced it and I can help you. I am so proud of all you have accomplished so far through your years of school, sports, and seeing you grow and change into the person you are today. I can’t wait to see the kind of person you shape into over the next couple of years. Keep your head up and don’t let anybody bring you down, and if someone brings you down, I will be right by your side to pick you back up. I love you.

Love,

Your big sister