When I was walking out to the mailbox yesterday I found the piece of paper above neatly folded and stuck between my budding tulips. I almost picked it up and tossed it straight into the recycling bin, but I am so incredibly glad I opened it. Our neighborhood is filled with kids. Almost overflowing with kids of all ages. There are babies and toddlers right on up to condescending teenagers. I think the artist who drew the picture I found in my tulip bed is a middle school aged girl and she doesn’t know it yet, but she is awesome.
So, to the amazing girl who took the time to draw that picture I want to tell you some things no one really told me when I was your age:
No matter what anyone tells you, you are pretty damn fantastic. You are worth every second you spend studying because every bit of knowledge you take in makes you a stronger, more powerful person and you deserve it. Boys can wait. You have your entire life in front of you, so work hard and play hard now and reap the rewards later. Be kind to everyone you meet, but if someone is bullying you stand up for yourself by telling an adult. Surround yourself with kids who are kind and hardworking. Never judge someone by the way they dress, the way they speak, or the way they carry themselves. Always stick up for the little guy and never be afraid to fail.
My most important piece of advice to my young friend – have fun. Learn to dance, make a short film, volunteer, or run a marathon. Do something exciting because we all know that song is true, “girls just want to have fun”.