07/10/2024
𝐀 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫…
My girl,
How did we get here so fast?
Seems like yesterday I held you on my hip.
And today you have hips of your own.
Everyone warned me about these years.
“Just wait ‘til she’s a teenager,” they’d say.
Like it was something to fear.
But I don’t feel fear so much as I feel weight.
These years feel heavy.
And for the first time, I’m letting you carry them on your own.
Because these heavy decisions, these weighty situations.
They have to be yours.
While I can’t carry you over these years, I hope I can offer some words of wisdom to carry you through.
I know you don’t always want or need to hear my advice, but I hope you remember…
Remember to listen to your body. We have a built-in radar that detects danger. When you feel a red flag rise up in your gut, trust it.
Remember that you are not a number. Not a number on a scale. Not a number on a test. Not a number of likes or followers. You are an immeasurably amazing human, just as you are.
Remember that honesty will always be your greatest strength. Be honest with your friends. With your family. And most importantly with yourself. Living by your truth will always serve you well.
Remember to hold your friends close and whisper in their ear if they have something in their teeth or a trinket in their nose. And find friends that you trust would do the same for you.
Remember you don’t have to stay. In any situation you feel uncomfortable, you can pack your things and leave at any time. Doesn’t matter how long you’ve sat there before. You always have the choice to up and leave now.
Remember that ‘no’ is a complete sentence. Boundaries are your right. Set them with good, firm intention.
Remember that if you ever find yourself at a table of friends who ask you to change who you are, it’s time to find a new table. Or better yet, make your own table that’s wholly inclusive.
Remember to wear what feels comfortable on you, and not what you think the world is comfortable with.
Remember that if your friends are going through the dark and deep, it’s not your job to pull them right out. Instead, sit beside them and offer your light.
Remember when given the choice, choose kindness.
BUT.
If being kind compromises your integrity, remember to choose integrity first, because not every situation or every person deserves your kindness.
Remember not to giggle when a guy makes you feel uncomfortable. Call him out on it.
Remember some people will turn away just because you shine too bright. Shine anyways because it’s not for them. You shine for you.
Remember to make time to sit with your grandparents. Your aunts, uncles, and cousins… Your family is your treasure trove.
Remember to order whatever it is you want to eat. Don’t skimp on the table guac and side of queso. Life’s too short to pass up the good eats.
Remember that if anyone ever tells you that you are too much you can kindly tell them that they are welcome to go find someone less.
Remember that your dad can be an intimidating guy… but you also have me to go mama bear on anyone’s ass if need be.
Remember to pay homage to your wild side. The one that calls on you to cry with the rain, dance with the wind, shake the Earth with the thunder, and laugh with rainbows.
Remember you are my daughter. But you are not mine. You’re a human I’ve raised to be all her own.
And in turn, I’ll remember…
Raising you through the teenage years is not a burden as they told me it might be.
Instead, it’s a privilege.
Oh, and more thing…
Remember your mother loves you fiercely, unconditionally, and with so much pride… Always.
That’s one thing I hope you never forget ♥️
