As an older sister, there are tons of lessons, values and experiences you want your younger sister to either know or hope she never has to experience. I feel like my most pivotal role as an older sister is to guide her through life as best as I can. Wanting her to experience all of the indescribable things life has to offer. But contrary to that, hoping she never has to experience the sorrow life can also bring. As I watch my little sister grow up into a beautiful, driven, confident woman there are so many things I want her to know:

First of all, you are beautiful.

You are beautiful in every sense of the word. You are a woman who has the best qualities of character. Your creativity, drive, intelligence and confidence is truly inspiring and makes me so happy. You are also beautiful on the outside and don’t ever let anyone make you question that.

Boys are temporary.

Please don’t let one boy change who you are or who you want to be. Or make you feel as if who you are isn’t good enough because you are. Boys will come and go so please don’t get too upset or beat yourself up over one stupid boy. Yes, you will get your heartbroken but there are vital lessons to learn with heartbreak no matter how detrimental it may seem.

Take every opportunity to experience new things.

I cannot even begin to explain how important this is. One of life’s greatest treasures is the wonderful experience it has to offer. Don’t let your fear or doubt get in the way of you growing as a person and being able to experience all these things. Just go for it. Cease the opportunity to travel, learn and grow. I promise you’ll look back and smile that you took these times to grow as a woman.

Be confident in who you are and what you stand for.

Be unapologetically yourself. Smile, laugh your crazy laugh and say what you mean. Don’t let others alter what you stand for and what you’re all about. You’re going to have your morals, your values and your passion but keep those. People are going to come into your life and leave you looking at things a little differently, which is great. But don’t lose sight of who you are as a person. Be confident and waltz through life like it’s your own show. You have me and the whole family to cheer you on along the way.

Lastly, I love you forever and always.

This is the most important thing I hope sticks with you if nothing else does. I love you so much. You have no idea. I am your biggest fan, well mom and I of course. I want you to love life and love yourself no matter what. You have so much going for you and I know you’ll succeed in anything you set your mind to. No matter how crazy life gets, remember you always have me. I love you and I want you to know you can always come to me with anything. I’ll have open arms and a smile on my face.