19 Things I Want My Little Sister To Always Remember

Happy birthday to my sweet and spunky little sister!! You are a light in my life and I love you dearly. Sometimes we fight, but what siblings don't? Most of the time we are talking about anything and everything under the sun, laughing and being silly.  I cherish these moments with you. You turn 19 today. As much as I want you to be 21, I can wait because you are my little sister and you need to stay little for just a little bit longer. You make me proud to be your sister. You are so smart and have the world at your finger tips. You have the opportunity to do amazing things and I know you will. I love you very much and wish you the best birthday!!

I thought it was only fitting to write 19 things I always want you to remember. In good times and bad always remember these things.

1. You are loved. No matter how hard life gets always remember you have a family that will love you until the end of Earth and beyond.

2. Boys are silly and many will come and go. One day you will find your guy and it will be natural, easy and he will become your best friend. You will know when you have found your guy... maybe not at first, but eventually you will. Whoever that is... he is a lucky man!

3. Friends also come and go. You may think that you would always be friends with someone, but if they treat you bad they need to go. Surround yourself with friends that make you want to be a better person, accept YOU 100%, and make you feel loved and cherished. This is important and this is something that I have to constantly remind myself of.

4. You get to choose who you surround yourself with. You don't have to hang out with anyone you don't want to, so choose wisely.

5. Be okay with being alone. Everyone needs alone time and time to themselves. It does the soul good. Maybe it is watching a movie by yourself or going on a walk (please be careful) but you deserve to have quiet time. You owe it to yourself.

6. Your family will always be here for you no matter the distance, place or time. We are here. If we don't answer the phone on the first call, keep calling until we do. You will never be too far. We will fly, drive or walk if we have to. We will be there. 

7. Have confidence in yourself and never be afraid to ask for advice/help! With that said, trust and listen to the people who love you. We will NEVER steer you in the wrong direction. We love you and want the very best for you!

8. Never apologize for being yourself. Society will try to conform you, but don't let it. Embrace and rock your spunky self!

9. It is YOUR life to live! You make all the decisions. People will always have their opinion, but you make the decisions. Make the best decision for you and your life! You are the one that has to live with it.

10. NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE. Take an Uber, cab or have someone pick you up. It is so silly to get behind the wheel intoxicated and definitely not worth it.

11. It's okay to make mistakes! That is how you learn.

12. Do good in school! It is important and it will set your future up for success. Talk to your professors, but don't be a suck up. Put your nose in a book, pen to paper and get that smart brain of yours working! School is the priority right now.

13. Be silly and weird! Dance around your house. Play in the leaves like you did when we were kids. Swing on a swing. Sing karaoke in your hair brush while getting ready. Make funny videos. Go dancing with your girlfriends. Have fun!!  

14. Always give 110% of your very best. That goes for EVERYTHING in life. Work hard and play hard!!

15. Always be honest. If you always tell the truth, you won't have to keep up with lies. Honesty is the best policy. Be honest to yourself, friends, family and anyone that crosses your path.

16. Always listen to your stomach. That little feeling you get when something isn't right, listen to it. It is normally there for a reason and one that shouldn't be ignored.

17. Wear sunscreen and take care of your skin. A tan may look good now, but cancer down the road won't. White is the new tan...duh! :-)  Love your skin! It is the largest organ on your body.

18. Never settle! That means in relationships, friends, work, and school. You deserve the very best, always!

19. Most importantly enjoy the journey. Life is rough and tough. Everyone has struggles, but enjoy every MOMENT (good and bad) and just enjoy YOUR journey.

Happy birthday my sweet sister! I hope this year brings you tons of love, the opportunity to do a lot of livin' and most importantly I hope you laugh... a lot! You bring so much joy into people's life just by being YOU! You are loved very much and will be forever and always!! I love you sissy! You make my life whole!

Love,

Amanda