You’re doing it. High school. So, natch, I’m doing it – passing out advice. It’s more a list than a letter. Because you’re a busy girl and you’ve got places to go. Here are Things I Know about you starting high school. Ready?
1. Sometimes people are mean.
2. (This is WAY more important than #1) More people will be amazing, kind, and supportive than will be mean. But they might do it more quietly. Look for the amazing. Look for the kind. Point it out (to yourself or to someone else) and it will get louder. Make it louder – make it roar.
3. You are beautiful. This is more a “nice” thing than a “crucial” thing, but it’s something you’ll probably forget, and I don’t want you to forget it.
4. You are good company. People love to be around you.
5. You are capable of doing hard work, and you are capable of succeeding in all your efforts.
6. It was a Very Good Idea to join a team. Join one more. Be part of at least two things. Let those two things be part of you.
7. I pray for you every single day before you get to school. Look around. See those other kids? Someone is praying for them, too, even if it’s only me.
8. Hold on to your confidence. Some days it will get a little raggedy. I can help shine it up for you, but it’s your job to carry it. Always.
9. Never be ashamed of being a nerd.
10. You can have it all. You may not be able to have it all at once, but you can have it.
11. People will look at you. Assume they’re looking because they want to be your friend. This will not always be the case, but it’s okay to be wrong now and then.
12. You won’t regret the things you do that are motivated by kindness and love.
13. You know that we don’t live in a particularly culturally diverse place, but seek out the diversity and celebrate it.
14. You’ll get hurt. (You’ll get better.)
15. Embarrassing things happen. Laughing is first aid for the wounds of embarrassment. It won’t erase the embarrassing thing, but it might save your life.
16. Eye makeup? A little bit goes a long way. You know.
17. Eat breakfast. Eat lunch. Lots of plants. A little protein. Come home and have dinner at the table.
18. Everyone is going through something. Everyone. Imagine that written over every head (kid and adult) in the building and you’ll be more empathetic. It’s always good for us to be more empathetic.
19. It’s Human Teenage Nature to assume the world revolves around you. It’s not accurate, but it’s natural.
20. I will always get excited with you when The Boy asks for your number, or sends you a vague text, or wants you to go to the dance. I will always take your side when The Boy acts like an idiot. But remember the rules. They are your protection.
21. You are stronger than you think you are.
22. Sing something every day. In the shower, in guitar class, somewhere.
23. Keep reading. You have time.
24. I’m right in the middle of the English hall if you need me.
25. There are hundreds (HUNDREDS) of people I love in that building. There is no one I love more than you.
(4) Comments for this blog
Love love LOVE this. So much. She’ll do amazing with advice like that and a mom like you 🙂
Love love LOVE this. So much. She’ll do amazing with advice like that and a mom like you 🙂
I love this (and you). P and I were just talking about how hard it is to see our children go through the rubbish social things (and how much harder it will be when they get to high school). I’m printing this out so I remember it. xx
I love this (and you). P and I were just talking about how hard it is to see our children go through the rubbish social things (and how much harder it will be when they get to high school). I’m printing this out so I remember it. xx