Mawana. So, you've decided to move out? Get your own place? See the world? You can do what you want, where you want, when you want.
I can dig that. We're so proud of you, kid. You're all grown up. You pay taxes and soon you'll have a place of your own in the big city and everything.
I'll save the corny BS and cut to the chase.
It should go without saying: we all love you. Literally nobody else on the planet is invested in your welfare as much as we are. We all will always love you. This bond is too strong to be muted by geographical separation. We know you'll do great.
I can imagine certain anxieties you have going forward. Namely, making friends. Figuring out yourself. Forging your path in this life. Don't worry. That's not a trite platitude: it's a command. Don't worry. There is no utility in expending your finite energy in worrying. Worry is not virtuous; it is counter-productive.
If you want to make friends, be a friend. What you seek out in others is often what others seek out in you — embody that. Don't be reckless with other people's hearts; don't put up with people who are reckless with yours. Never forget: be kind and respectful, and know your worth.
Know the value of friendship. Certainly in your position, friends go a long way in complementing your life. But understand that friends will come and go — most friends part ways by the natural course of life, by no fault of anyone. And that's okay. Only a precious few friends endure the wild torrent of life — strive to bridge any gap to keep them in your life.
Part of being an adult and making friends is taking responsibility and control of your emotions. Find it in yourself to hold your emotional weight. I can't emphasize this enough: don't expect anyone to support you.
As you transition into adulthood, I want you to remember: you are not a victim. You are smart. You are full of charisma. Your heart is almost always in the right place. You may not see it, but take it from me: you are born to be a leader.
Know the value of life. Life is beautiful in all its glory. It is invaluable. You are a child of God. There is meaning to your existence. You are here to love. To lift others up. Illuminate and heal. Enjoy the ride.
You're not fat.
You're beautiful.
Never be afraid of your body.
Put yourself out there. Confront your fears every single day. Take miniscule risks — things you wouldn't normally do: friends are made by taking risks and opening up.
Like, honestly, I've had the most fun making friends and getting to know people — classmates and coworkers alike — when I simply stopped caring about what I looked like.
You already do this everyday when you talk to your siblings. You're loveable.
Don't waste your time comparing yourself to others, especially since you're blossoming into a talented, successful young woman. You're neither better nor worse than anyone. It's an illusion. Shed your ego. Pride and jealousy are poison. Stay humble. The race is long, and in the end, it is only with yourself.
Don't worry too much about romance. It'll happen when it needs to happen — and when it happens, it'll happen naturally. You're smart — you'll figure it out.
If something doesn't feel right, it's probably because it's wrong.
Don't look for drama.
You know we love you.
Be kind and patient with Ma and Pa. Never, for a second, forget they're basically insane. But still: remember to be kind and patient with them. Make an effort to get to know them, even from over there. Never give them the cold shoulder. Never give us, your siblings, the cold shoulder. We're getting old. They're getting old. And the older you get, the more you need people you knew when you were young.
Remember that even though we live apart, working our jobs, doing our thing: we'll always be here, a phone call away, a text message away, a carrier pigeon away. As you embark on this new chapter, don't forget: you're never alone. You're gonna go far.
So, are you ready to hop on that train and go for a ride?
