Dear Little Sister

As you grow, the world will seem to spin.

Sometimes you'll lose, sometimes you'll win.

School gets harder, and homework increases,

But don't lose your head, take a break, don't fall to pieces.

Your peers grow with you, sometimes ahead or behind.

Either way, don't let them control your mind.

Be respectful, don't let your manners go.

But don't let them walk all over you.

Boys will try to pressure you,

But never do anything you don't want to.

Girls will whisper and spread lies,

But stand up for who you are and never hide.

You'll get offered a beer, it may be tempting.

But they cannot force you into anything.

You'll make new friends, and lose some too.

Just don´t forget who is there for you.

You'll get some bad grades, it's not a big deal.

It doesn't matter as much as your effort and how you feel.

Don't grow up too fast,

But don't dwell on the past.

Bad days get better, I swear they do.

No matter how crappy it is, tomorrow is brand new.

Don't ever feel like you need a boy.

Don't be a puppet, don't be a toy.

Yet if you find someone who treats you with respect,

Don't rush, have fun, take time to connect.

Be strong, be fierce, and unapologetically you.

In the end, people appreciates what is true.

Some days you´ll want to cry.

The faster you let it out, the faster it goes by.

Some days you´ll want to laugh.

Never let anyone restrict that.

Some days you'll feel insecure.

Everyone does, nobody is ever sure.

Some days you´ll feel like giving up;

Don´t. I'm here no matter what.

I won't lecture you about ¨having too much fun.¨

Just remember there are consequences after you're done.

Mom and dad will make you angry.

Remember they love you unconditionally.

Homework is important, grades are too.

But not nearly as much as who you are and what you do.

Volunteer, be polite, help others, smile.

Take time for yourself every once in a while.

Life is too short to let fear rule,

But on the days that you do, never feel like a fool.

I'll be here always, even if I move away.

You can talk to be about anything, any minute of any day.

I may be your big sister, but I'm still your best friend.

Here to help and annoy you into the very end.

I want you to be happy, successful too.

But most of all, I want you to be you.  

Love,

JJ