Dear Past Self,
Hi! How are you doing? Is that Barney the Dinosaur episode good? I sometimes wish life were still that simple. If I told you everything that is going to happen in your life up to the big age of 22, you would probably hide under your Disney Princess covers with all of your stuffed animals protecting you. Is life scary? Absolutely! However, it is nothing you can’t handle.
Soon, you will start going to big girl school with so many kids. You’ll feel different and feel left out. That’s ok! You just think differently from most kids, and our brothers gave you a unique perspective on life that not everyone will understand. While other kids are playing freeze tag in the field, you will be in your own imaginary world with all of the Kung Fu Panda characters (that’s a movie that you will see very soon, and it will change your little life) or play with our older brother and his friends. It might not seem like it at the time, but eventually you will make friends… and those who are patient usually get something special… and the friends you make along the way will be some of the most special people in our lives.
The adults at school will be some of your biggest role models. Right now, I am at the big, big, BIG girl school studying to be one of those adults. They will always be there for you when you are sad, mad, or just need someone to talk to. They will educate you about the world and teach you everything you need to know, even if it is hard. Remember that you will make it through, especially math. Learning new things is so cool! History is going to be one of our favorite things to learn about. These adults will always be there for you… And you will find a way to share your appreciation, trust me.
You’re not an athlete by any means. Being aggressive is not a skill you have yet. That’s ok! You still find a lot of fun things to do. You do crafts every month in Girl Scouts, and you play the clarinet in the school’s band. You know those people who march in the parade? That is going to be you someday! You participate in several school clubs, and sometimes you try out sports. You will also read some amazing books and write some amazing stories. You’re creative! Don’t ever forget that.
Family is so important to you now, and it will continue to be. As you get older, you will feel like you are hanging out more with our family than most people your age… and that’s ok! This keeps you out of trouble. Daddy always shows you cool things about the world, while Mommy helps you understand situations the world throws at you. Our brothers will annoy you sometimes, but the connection you have with them is one of the best sibling connections ever. For most of your life, there will always be a dog at your side, and guess what? Each dog will be bigger than the last! You will lose some family members along the way. Some might be harder to handle than others. It will be hard to see our family sad, but it will pass. Just like a thunderstorm before the rainbow. Don’t worry if you feel like you are not hanging out with them enough. I promise there will come a time when you are stuck with them (literally).
The world is not always as kind as you think it should be. There are people out there who will make bad choices and use their power against others. Everything you will be taught in school on how to be a good citizen will show you how many people don’t know how to be a good citizen. Some people will lie about situations, and others will always want the attention on them. There will be some mean people that you see in the world and that you encounter. One of the biggest tips I have is to kindly stand up for yourself. Don’t let them walk all over you. Anytime I let that happen, nothing ever good came from it.
As you get older, you will notice that things around you seem scary, but as mommy says… We’re so lucky that everything works out for us. I promise you this is true. No matter what you go through, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. When you look back at what happened, you will always see the positive in any situation and see how it worked out for the best. This will be hard, trust me. Some scary things are going to happen. Some sad things are going to happen, but always keep your head up and look at the bright side, because it will work its way out. Even if it feels like you are in a thunderstorm, there will always be a rainbow after the storm has passed.
That was a lot… now go get back to that Barney the Dinosaur episode.
Isabella's Inspiration 