For the Girls

My son is growing up. He is seventeen and thinks he is ready to fly from the nest. Much too soon for me of course. How quickly the time passes. It seems like only yesterday that he was my little man, running through the yard with a beagle puppy hanging from the seat of his pants. But this isn’t about him. This is for his girlfriend, and her friends.This is to all young ladies struggling to make it through adolescence alive, so please take a few minutes and listen. Don’t just read this, really hear what I have to say and know that it comes with the best of intentions.

First and foremost, slow down. Teens today, and in my opinion especially girls, are trying to mature way too soon. I know that growing up and becoming a self sustaining adult is the point of your teenage years, but it seems to me that this generation is in such a hurry. I’m not even going to go into the statistics about teen pregnancy. Anyone with a tv can see it is not just an issue , but it is almost glorified with shows like Teen Mom and The Secret Life of an American Teenager. That is Hollywood. After 30 - 60 minutes, the show is over, and problems are solved. I realize that teen Mom is a reality show, but once cameras and a production crew are involved, it is no longer actually “reality”. So take a minute and slow down. Enjoy these years. They may not be the best time in your life, and they certainly aren’t the easiest, but they are important. This time in your life is vital in preparing you for the realities of adulthood. Make the most of it, you will never get it back.

It is important that you know you are beautiful. Some in more obvious ways than others, but it is still beauty and don’t ever let anyone convince you otherwise. As a society we are often times too caught up in physical appearance, but as you grow up, you will understand that inner beauty can be just as, if not more radiant than outer appearances. Always keep in mind, you may be judged at first by what you look like on the outside, but it is what you are inside that you will be remembered by.

And finally, you are worthy. You are special, and important, You have so much potential to be great at whatever you chose to do. Don’t sell yourself short and settle for less than what you deserve. Life is long and not easy. It will only be harder if you never learn to expect the best for yourself. Get your education. A lot of amazing women came before us and fought long and hard for our rights to educate and better ourselves. No matter what you do, or where you end up in life, no one can ever take your knowledge away from you.

So I ask that you listen to what I have to say. Hear my words and think about them. I know I am not the first person to tell you these things, but maybe the more you hear them, the more they will stick. It is important to love yourself so others can give you the love you deserve. Life is a harrowing journey. Learn now to expect the best from it and yourself because you are worth it. I’m just sayin’.