Dear Sis,

Here are some tips for you that will hopefully help you throughout your life, and some things I hope you realize before I did.

1. You’re not everyone’s cup of tea.

You will meet great people throughout your life, but for some reason they won't think the same for you. Could it have been your goofy personality? Did you say something off that you were unaware of that offended them? Do they know something about you that you don’t? Whatever it is...

Who cares.

It will take you sometime to realize that people will judge you for whatever reason, but please realize it is a reflection of them, not you. They do not know you like, YOU know yourself, and most importantly, they do not know you like God knows you. These people don’t know you personally and only judge from what they think they know about you, and the truth is, if they are judging you, do you really want them around? I would hope not. Don’t worry, these people are only around for a little bit, but they will get to you as much as you let them… so don’t let them!

2. Don’t follow the crowd.

Wow! I would say this is probably the most important one. The best thing I ever did growing up was not doing what everyone else was doing because MAN, I would I have been in some tough mess! If you get that gut feeling that something isn’t right, it probably isn’t. If your friends are doing something you know isn’t ok, be the change you want to see in them!

3. Learn from your mistakes!

Learn and move on! The worst thing you can do is dwell on something that has already happened because unless you can go back in time (please share how, we’d all like to know), there is NO point on stressing over something that has already happened. Let it build you, not break you!

4. Remember your family will always be there for you.

I can’t stress this enough! Friends will come and go, but family is always there. There is no one who will cheer you on louder than us, that’s a promise!

5. Some people are only chapters in your life.

I like to believe God places people in our lives to teach us lessons. It may sting a little in the beginning, but remember this: the sting is only temporary. You will meet many people throughout your life that will make you realize why the others could not stay.

6. Pray!!!

No one knows you better than God. At night before bed, say a quick little prayer with your thanks, your worries, the things that make you happy and sad, and for the people you love. One thing I’ve learned exponentially within the past two years is that God rarely gives you exactly what you want, but exactly what you NEED. It may be to teach you a lesson, but for whatever the reason, trust that everything you experience is meant to build you, not break you.

7. I’m always here for you.

I lied; this is the most important one. When you make a mistake and can’t figure out a solution, know that I am a call away. I still have a lot to learn, but fortunately I have been through a lot of the things you will be going through. When you’re stuck in a bubble, and you feel like there’s no way out, you can come to me; there is nothing I want less than to have you feel like there is no way out of a problem. Don’t forget that I love you with all of my heart, and even though I don’t see you as much as I’d like to, I still think of you everyday! I am so proud of the young lady you’re becoming, and I’m even more excited to see what amazing things you are going to accomplish throughout your life. These are only some of the many tips I have for you, and as I learn more through the years, I’ll be sure to pass them on to you.

Love always,

A very proud big sis