Dear Girls,

Young and young at heart, you are… well, there’s no exact word that can ever embody what you are, but some come close. Amazing, wonderful, unbelievable, stunning, jaw-dropping—the list goes on. It’s time you start appreciating yourself too. There are all different kinds of girls, and they are all equally special.

To the girls who like sports,

You are determined. There is nothing wrong with you just because you may not be the typical “girly girl." You are different, and you found something you love to do. Stick to it, do not be afraid to get down and dirty or sweat a little. It’s good for you. You’ll learn teamwork, discipline and perseverance. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something just because you are a girl.

To the girls who like shopping,

You are spontaneous. It is always fun to be in style and up with the latest trends, but remember to be smart with your money. Some of the happiest people in the world do not have many material possessions. But as women, some of us really like shoes and purses and makeup and clothes. Get them if they make you happy, just keep your bank account in mind.

To the girls who like art,

You are creative. Whether you appreciate it or make your own, pat yourself on the back. You have an eye for beauty and culture, not many people do anymore. Art tends to be overlooked, or if it is noticed, it is looked down upon. Please keep loving art. You’ll find it everywhere; from the rain, to the way the pages of a book wrinkle over time, to the laughter of your best friend. Art will let you see the world in a whole new light, it is a blessing to have art in your life.

To the girls who are “nerdy,"

You are smart and fun. Embrace it. Being intelligent is far better than being popular in the long run. If you fall more along the lines of “fangirl nerd," please don’t ever let anyone shame you into disliking something you are passionate about. Just think how awesome it is to love something so deeply.

To the girls who have been bullied,

You are strong. You are not the awful things they call you. You do not deserve the way they treat you. It is not anything you did, it is not your fault. People will only try to drag you down if you are already above them. Darling, please remember, you are already above them. I know it hurts, but that is what chocolate ice cream and teddy bear hugs are for. Bullying epitomizes the insecurities of the bully, and they then project them onto the victim. Remember that stupid rhyme from kindergarten about the rubber and the glue? Be the rubber. You are resilient,you can overcome it. People will forget what you said, but they won’t forget how you made them feel. Do not sink to their level. Keep you chin up, you have such a beautiful smile.

To the girls who think they are not enough,

You are more than enough. Sometimes you are so much more than enough that people get scared that they don’t know what to do with all of your amazingness. If it’s in school, just try your best; that’s all you can ever do. If it’s with your parents, they love you unconditionally and will still have your back no matter what. If it’s with a significant other, my god, if you feel like you are not enough for someone, then they are the ones who do not deserve you. “You are art long before [they] came along to admire you, and you will remain a masterpiece long after.” For any aspect of your life, you are enough.

To the girls who are still finding themselves,

You are curious. Do not fret, darling. You do not have to belong to one category of “girl." There is no requirement that you have to be just one, or all. You can be whatever you would like. My words of advice: try everything at least once. If you like it, then keep trying because you might fall in love. If it doesn’t feel like a good fit for you, well you can try again, or you can move on to something. The important thing is to try.

Mrs. Norbury from "Mean Girls" said it best: “There’s been some girl-on-girl crime here…. But you all have got to stop calling each other sluts and whores. It just makes it OK for guys to call you sluts and whores.”

Ladies, we have to stick together. Learn to empower each other. Compliment someone rather than rag on them for the one thing YOU don’t like, that might be their whole world. Uplift each other, help each other, love each other. No one else will understand you quite like your fellow women, we might as well get along.

You come in all shapes and sizes, have your own interests and hobbies, and you are ALL unique and beautiful. It’s time you learn to love yourself and your fellow women.

With all my love and the best wishes,

A girl who belongs to all of the previously stated categories