It’s the start of the school year. The first day of high school for my baby and junior year for my oldest. As all the first day of school Facebook photos are posted by friends with kids starting kindergarten to college (and every grade in between) I can’t help but write to my girls with some advice to master the school year ahead.
Trust Yourself First.
The one person who will never let you down is the person you see in the mirror every morning. Be your own champion. Trust that your values are strong. Know that your beliefs are real and genuine. Be selective about who you share your most intimate thoughts and feelings with – trust is earned, not required.
You Will Never Regret Trying.
Your hardest day will be the one when you try something for the first time. It may also be your best day. If you never try, you will never know. Don’t let the fear of potential failure or peer pressure to avoid certain clubs, activities, or sports rule your actions. At the end of the day, the only person you need to please is yourself (and maybe your parents!). Take advantage of what completes you as a person.
Girls are Mean.
We can be “judgy” and sneaky and conniving. We are also smart, strong and resilient. We ache with pain when someone betrays us. If you come across “judgy” girls who are not worth your time, walk away. If your best friend becomes sneaky and sinister (and it will happen), walk, or better yet, run away. High school girls are emotional time bombs. They get angry and react without thinking. They say – and do – cruel, stupid things. Don’t let their actions control you and your emotions. Remember you are smart, strong and resilient.
Guys Make Great Friends.
Escape the girl drama by bonding with guy friends. Guys tell you like it is. They don’t sugar coat anything. If they don’t like something, you will know. They aren’t masters of manipulating their feelings like girls are. Looking for a solution to your problem? Guys will give you their best answer. Girls will tell you what they think you want to hear.
Today’s Traumatic Event Will Be Tomorrow’s Triumph.
It seems like the test you fail, the friendship that ends badly, or the boyfriend who dumps you will crush your soul forever. Look around. Every person who graduates high school has felt the same way. We’ve all experienced great loss and disappointment we thought we’d never survive in high school. It stabbed us in the heart 1,000 times over. We were crushed, devastated and sure that it was the end of our world as we knew it. It wasn’t. And, it won’t be for you. But it will shape who you are – and make you stronger!
