I hope you don’t make the same mistakes I did. I hope you learn to be yourself. I hope you don’t follow anybody’s dreams, even your parents. This is your life, be respectful, and polite. However, live it solely for yourself. Carry yourself like a queen who is in command but full of dignity, compassion, empathy and good at relating with people in a respectful manner.
I hope you learn your voice is oh so important before I did. I hope you learn to tell your truth even if people disagree and it makes them uncomfortable. At the end of the day you’ll be uncomfortable twisting into shapes you cannot bend into because it’s not you. I hope you learn that you are valuable, your opinions, thoughts and ideas matter, even as a child. It will help you shape up to be a responsible adult who doesn’t bow down to others.
You are a star in your own right, the only you and only you can bring forth your talents in this world. You have something unique and wonderful to offer, remember that. I know you are young, but let that little light of yours please shine brightly.
I know the world will make you question your beauty, your talents and whether you are good enough. Let me tell you, you are! Phenomenal! Somebody worthy of love, fulfillment and satisfaction. You are worthy of all good, fabulous and special things the world has to offer. Do not discover that in your mid 20’s like me. Your childhood is a chance to learn, grow, play, have fun and become. It’s the time you are free of all adult responsibility. It’s not the time to be worrying about being good or pretty enough for friends, peers or boys. Total waste of time.
Choose your friends wisely. Do not be friends with people who do not accept, care for you or want you to be better. Friends who steal your joy, peace and happiness from you. Friends who make you feel you have to be more to earn their love or respect. Those friends are childhood ghosts who will steal your childhood and your self esteem. I don’t care how popular or how cool they seem. If they don’t like you for you and affirm, suppourt, cherish, have clean fun with you and help you grow. They are not worthy of you. I want you to get it into your head, you are worthy of only spectacular things. I want you to enjoy friendship and realise it can be healthy, not toxic and that’s the way it should be. A friend should have your back and not play a part with other groups in bringing you down to be liked. Steer clear of such people, when people are young they want popularity. However, you my dear are too precious for other people’s self esteem issues.
Most of all enjoy being educated. Read, challenge yourself with school work, go above and beyond to divulge all you can so that you can be the best you possible. Being young is the time to explore knowledge, you have all the time in the world and no cares to help you do that. Learn about nature, societies, humanity, yourself, life, money and everything. Keep an open mind and help it grow.
I wish you heed my advice, I wish you great things and none of my mistakes.
Love,
A woman who thinks you’re important enough to advice you.
Author: Akosua Darko
creativeisme7@gmail.com
London, UK