Her problem was that she
believed in a world too big, too unreal and without edges;
bounding past logic and reason and
diving beneath waterfalls of mystery.
She didn’t need the answers of reality, her soul
fed on unknowns and adventures- she
saw magic everywhere and never once
flinched at the unexplained.
.
.
.
(398.2 is the Dewey Decimal systems number for Fairy-tales)
Again, I sit, UnEdited and twitching slightly at the thought of it. I mean, how presumptuous is it to think something I want to say is really worth saying…. Saying in an out-loud online kind of way? I can’t help it though; somewhere along my happy thoughts, and stressful ideas, and plans succeeding and plans failing, there was this pot on the back burner called “self-discovery”. And sometimes, when it wasn’t quite so forgotten I could watch it bubble over, frothy sage advice spilling around the edges of once-known boundaries.
14 was a particularly happy year in my younger memory. I’m not exactly sure why, but the notion of being both 14 and awesome has been as unwavering as the laws of physics. So yes, perhaps presumptuously, I share this Birthday Letter:
***
Dear Sister, Baby sister, turning 14 this month. Advice is a cheap gift, I realize, but I really wanted you to go into being 14 equipped to continue becoming the greatest you possible. So here are some things I wish I had realized at 14. (And don’t worry, I got you a real present as well.)
And not just “unique” as in we’re-all-such-special-humans-so-be-yourself-blah-blah-blaaaa; unique as in there-will-always-be-special-things-about-you. Find those awesome special things and enjoy how God has woven them into your life.
2. You will only be 14 for one year.
Likewise, you will only be 15 once, 16 for 365 days, 17 for 12 months, 18 for only 52 weeks, etc. Even though the next exciting thing seems just a year ahead or so try to enjoy the time between. Young adulthood is chalk-full of transitions, so accept the resting periods.
3. But if there’s something you don’t like- change it.
Bad habit? Change that. Oily hair? Change your hair care. Don’t like your new gym shoes? Exchange them. Tired in the morning? Change your bedtime or morning routine. Maybe theres something as simple as flossing your teeth that would end up making a world of change to you. A world of difference can often be accomplished with the simplest shift in mindset. Maybe just in realizing you can change the things you don’t love. So that every area of your life comes under the scrutiny of your stable enjoyment.
4. It’s bad to be lazy, but it’s good to rest.
Relaxation is not to be underestimated. I’m still learning this! It can help ease the stress on intense growing and learning years incredibly… so it’s worth learning how to do it as young as possible. Feeling the desire to nap is normal, and letting yourself simply sit and read, or play solitaire, or paint or bead or (gasp!) do nothing, is a skill many American’s lack. Embrace the lifestyle of siesta, where taking time to relax and refresh oneself is healthy and lovely.
5. There’s more to life than boys and there’s more to boys than boys.
I’m not saying you can’t have a crush, but looking back I wasted disgusting amounts of thought, energy and time thinking about crushes and wondering if they were thinking about me. (For the record, they probably weren’t.) But besides the embarrassing number of hours devoted to boy-talk is the humbling realization that didn’t hit me till much later: Boys aren’t just boys. I mean they are boys, don’t misunderstand me, but they’re also people. Individuals with ideas, hopes, dreams and souls. They are full of sad memories, happy memories, silly memories and memorable adventures. There is a depth inside each boy’s heart and mind, often untouchable and even unnoticeable to the big-boy world around them. But it’s there nonetheless. Respect that.
6. The above statement can be substituted, “boys” for “celebrities”.
Making actors and other idols objects is a culturally accepted trend. Don’t follow that trend. You are a million things beyond your physical appearance and capabilities; so are they. Again, respect that.
7. Only push yourself as far as grace.
It’s wonderful to push yourself! To expect great things from yourself. What is not great is to push yourself until you’re just frustrated with yourself. Maybe even to the place where you hate yourself. Please do set standards for yourself (see #3), do seek out your motivation, but do not forget grace. Grace is the best part of your story.
8. Feel Beautiful.
Realize you are a work of art, by a Flawless Artist. God doesn’t make mistakes. As Perfect Creator He created your glorious physical body. Viewing your soul’s temporary palace as the most personalized gift you could ever receive helps it’s changes become a thing to party about, instead of stress over. Celebrate God’s artistry and beauty- feel beautiful.
***
Let’s make beautiful things, she said, as though no task could be simpler.
Let’s catch a star and carry it home. Let’s roll in paint and glitter.
Let’s dance in satin slippers, silk ones
and let’s make the music too.
Let’s sew with miles of tulle and ribbon, let’s make a tiara of blue.
Let us talk to the roses as we hike through the garden barefoot.
Let us sing with the birds’ chirps, let us balance on giant tree roots.
Let us watch the rain for hours, naming every drop.
Let us pretend the clouds have castles made of cotton swabs.
Let’s imagine we’re medieval and going on a horseback ride,
but then let’s get distracted by a dragonfly we find.
Let’s take hours in the morning for waking, dressing and musing,
and let us end the happy process
by making beautiful things.
sayloreblog 