Advice For My 16 Year Old Sister
Hey sis,
It seems like a lot of change has come about since you hit high school, right? Not only are you are evolving into a young woman and establishing your sense of self, but you're experiencing shifts in how you perceive the world, and your purpose in it. Things are kinda going into hyperdrive these days. You're having to consider colleges, taking harder classes, making new friendships, and experiencing the changes of simply being a girl. From the outside looking in, I can appreciate the beauty in your evolution! It makes me so proud to see your personality and mindset taking form so marvelously, but I know how awkward and frustrating it can be for you. At your age, it can be tough to see the lessons unfolding because you're actually living it and feeling all of the emotions these experiences bring out. As your older sister, and homie, I want to give you some life hacks to keep in mind the next few years!
Everything Is Temporary
High school has a way of seeming eternal. All of the good and bad experiences going on right now seem like they're never going to go away, but they will. The great feeling you get after winning a basketball game will slowly fade away, so marvel in it, and enjoy every second you can. Similarly, the crappy feeling you get after not acing a math test you studied really hard for will fade away, so don't take it so hard! Life passes by really quick, so soak up every single moment you can.
Quality Friendships Typically Come Later On
Right now you're around the same people for 7+ hours a day and it may begin to feel like your peers are the only humans you'll ever be able to connect with, but high school is just the tip of the iceberg. If you feel like you have great friends right now then awesome! If you feel a bit trapped in your pool of people to meet, be patient and understand that as you get older you'll go to many places and meet people from all over. At that point, you'll be able to form bonds with individuals who will possess the qualities to inspire and help you become grow into the person you're meant to be!
Boys Right Now Are JUST BOYS
This one is simple. Focus on what makes you happy and do what you can to prepare yourself for future success. If he's really the guy for you he'll never want to get in the way of seeing you shine.
Life Isn't As Restrictive As It Feels Right Now
I know it's super annoying that you have to ask mom to do even the slightest thing, but I promise it won't always be this way. Eventually, you'll be able to go to parties without having to ask for permission. You'll get to skip class for beach days (not saying you should, but if you do make sure to get notes). You'll get to stay up until 3 a.m. on a Tuesday. You'll get all of the perks you secretly wish you had right now- everything in due time.
Take Advantage of Your Resources Early On
Take advantage of everything you can right now!!! I IMPLORE YOU. What puts a lot of adults ahead are the opportunities they took when they were younger. Ask a ton of questions. Read a lot of books. Join as many clubs as you can. Befriend old people. All of it. You have very little responsibility aside from simply being a wholesome teenager and getting good grades, so try out as many things as you can now. You'll be surprised how handy these experiences will be later on!
Spend More Time Learning and Less Scrolling on the Gram
Time is priceless. Try your hardest to waste as little time in meaningless activities like scrolling on Instagram and more time doing activities that you'll learn from. If you're learning anything at all you're already a winner.
Confidence Comes From The Inside
If there is one lesson I would love for you to learn now it's that seeking validation from other people will never lead you to true happiness. You've gotta be happy with you first baby girl. No boyfriend, basketball team, or friend will unlock the true feeling of badassness inside of you. Only you can do that. LOVE YOURSELF!!!