A Letter to My Younger Sisters as They Go Through High School.

My beautiful younger sisters have recently started their freshman year in high school and being four and a half hours away from them really kills me. Although I facetime them every chance I get, I still hate that I am not physically there for them. High school is a scary thing and I wanted to tell them what I wish I knew and what I learned through my own high school experience.

1. Don’t stress over that one (or two) test grade(s).
2. Try everything.
3. If you can, take the classes that interest you the most.
4. That boy is not worth it.
5. Don’t feel pressured to do things you do not want to do.
6. But that doesn’t mean a bad decision will completely end your life.
7. Surround yourself with good people.
8. But don’t be afraid to get rid of the ones that aren’t for you.
9. Be a good friend.
10. Make loving and accepting yourself a priority.
11. If you are having feelings that you do not understand, talk to someone.
12. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.
13. It is okay to want to lay in bed, watch Netflix, and not want to be bothered.
14. It’s also okay to cry it out.
15. Live in the moment.
16. Still believe in Santa Clause despite what others say.
17. Accept others.
18. Smile at everyone that you pass.
19. Don’t hesitate.
20. Be excited for family functions.
21. Sometimes it’s better to listen than talk.
22. Love mom and dad unconditionally.
23. If you fall, I will always be there to pick you back up.
24. I love you more than anything in this world.
25. Love each other.

It will not matter what grade you got on your math test on proofs because in reality who really needs to know that.

Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something out of your comfort zone. You may even make an awesome group of friends because of it.

This will help you have more fun in school and help you find out what may or may not be for you in the future.

There will be that guy, or those guys, that tell you sweet nothings to make you fall for them. Be smart and handle your own heart with care because others may not.

This goes for anything and everything. If you do not want to do it, don’t. Stand by your decisions and be smart with those decisions.

Things will go in ways you really wish they didn’t but they are all learning experiences. Everyone makes mistakes so you are not alone.

Find the good ones and keep them. Make sure they are the kinds of people you can laugh until you pee your pants with because laughter is the key to life.

Figure out which ones are the bad ones and get rid of them. People come and go for a reason. You do not need to keep them around just so then you have more “friends”. Quality over quantity.

Call them up. Text them. Be there for them when they need you the most. They will appreciate the hell out of it and do the same in return.

Who cares if you don’t look like her or have their talent. You both are uniquely beautiful and amazing so learn to rock it. You both will always be the best in my eyes.

Or talk to me. Mental health is extremely important. Don’t be afraid or feel alone because there are so many people that are here to help you.

We need change and people who are fearless. If you feel strongly about something, voice your opinion or take action. It might help one or millions. You never know.

Sometimes we need to take a break from reality and take some time for ourselves to recover from the day’s, or week’s, events.

Don’t think you are being a baby for crying. If you need to let it out, let it out.

Sure, being a teenager or going to college sounds like so much fun. But it also comes with a lot of adult responsibilities and work that you want to push off for a little longer. Hold on to being young as long as you can.

Cuz why not. It makes Christmas that much more fun and exciting.

You are going to meet people who may say things, do things, or look in ways you have never heard or seen before. Accept them and pay attention. You may learn a thing or two from them.

A simple smile can change someone’s day for the better.

If you are given an opportunity of a lifetime, take it. You never know when, or if, it will ever be handed to you again.

Being away at college made me realize how much family really matters. So yes, you might be missing that fun party or hanging out with your friends, but family is what matters most.

You learn a lot more this way.

Yeah, they may yell at you, and sometimes over the dumbest things in the world. But that’s because they care about you endlessly.

But that’s after I finish laughing.

I don’t need to explain this one. It’s as simple as that.

There is nothing more special in this world than being a twin. I am so jealous of you two. Love each other and have each other’s backs forever and always. It’s you two against the world.