Little Brother,

At 16, you’ll be mad at the world for no reason. You will want to scream in frustration; sometimes yell at the top of your lungs, and I’m here to tell you that is totally normal. Don’t suppress those feelings. You have someone to go to, at any age.

At 16, you will think most things in life aren’t fair, and you’re right! Life isn’t fair at all. Sometimes we win, and most of the time we lose, but it’s about how you react to it. You can control how you feel toward any situation, and if you can’t find the ability to do so, you can always give me a call.

At 16, you will think you’re ready to leave. Go far away with the change you got in your back pocket. And I’m not here to stop you, but to remind you that this is your home. This were you started, and don’t forget that. You will have challenges ahead; I’m not going to lie. You will get home sick, but don’t let that stop you.

At 16, falling in love is possible. It didn’t happen to me; I am not as strong as you are to get hurt. If you do fall in love don’t forget to love yourself before anyone else. Remember you matter just as much as the other person. And if they don’t think that then they don’t deserve you.

At 16, you’ll be more stubborn than ever. No one will be able to budge you out of your vision of the world. People will try and change you, mold you, into what you should be. This is where your stubbornness comes into play. Be stubborn with the voices trying to sway you to follow. Be stubborn with the chances you take. Be stubborn when it comes to who you are, and who you want to be.

At 16, smile, laugh, and listen often. It’s the time to do so; whatever problems you have that seem like the end of the world, is pretty much seconds of your life. Don’t waste time complaining, wondering, or fighting. Make memories with friends, don’t worry about others, and make the best of age 16. Enjoy the football games, the homework reminders, and when mom tells you to clean your room.

At 16, you have done so much already. So much more than what I did; at 16 I was wondering what I should be, who I wanted to be, and what others thought about me. At 16, I wasn’t as brave as you. I was still soft spoken, and had horrible writing skills unlike you. Your words hit people like a truck at only 16. Your mind is so open to the world, and its consistent changes at only 16. And your heart is pure and full at only 16.

Always remember, no matter how much taller you are than me, how many times you tell me to leave you alone, or how many times you annoy me. I will always be here, not just at age 16.