Disclaimer: This title is probably a little misleading, as the one who inspired this post for me is actually my 15 year old cousin, not my sister. However, the word "cousin" could also be seen as misleading as the relationship I have with her is much more on the level of a little sister.
If you are family, a close friend, an avid reader on my blog, or even a follower on Instagram, then you know who Kylie is. I consistently post pictures with her on the gram and have even talked about her on the blog in a previous post where I took her to Enchanted Rock for the first time.
However, for those that may be new here, Kylie is my cousin whom I spend a lot of my spare time with. She is the SUNSHINE of my LIFE. Kylie has actively been in my life since the day she was born, and she is one of the most important people in my life.
Today is Kylie's 15th birthday (and boy does it make me feel old!), and in honor of that I wanted to share 15 things I Hope to Teach her. I thought of doing 15 things I love about her, but that would have been way too easy, so I opted for a more challenging post!
15 Things I Hope to Teach My 15 Year Old Sister:
1. BE KIND, & STAY SWEET.
Kylie, you are undeniably one of the sweetest people in my life. In everything you do, don't lose that. "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." -- Philo of Alexandria
2. BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER, AND PRAY FEARLESSLY
Throughout life's heartaches, pain, or loss, remember if God brings you to your knees, know you're in the perfect position to pray.
3. NEVER SETTLE & KNOW YOUR WORTH.
Some people may disagree with this, but as my mom told me, don't date someone you wouldn't marry. You never know who you're going to fall in love with. Once you learn what you want and need in a relationship, never settle for less than that.
4. ICE CREAM & FROZEN YOGURT ARE NEVER A BAD IDEA.
This one needs no explanation.
5. WORK HARD SWEET GIRL.
Having a good work ethic will go a long way. Be punctual, stay positive, be a team player, communicate, take initiative, be willing to learn more, and go the extra mile. I promise it'll pay off.
6. SEE THE GOOD IN PEOPLE.
Give people the benefit of the doubt. Yes, there are crappy people in this world, but for the most part I like to believe most people are good - you just have to give them a chance to show it.
7. ALWAYS TRUST YOUR GUT.
While I think it's good to try to see the good in people, don't be naive and trust what your gut tells you. If you feel like something or someone is off, you're probably right. Trust your judgement - it's more important than you know.
8. FORGIVE, IF NOT FOR OTHERS, FOR YOURSELF.
Forgiveness isn't easy, sometimes it's straight up difficult. If someone you love made a mistake, but owns up to it and apologizes sincerely, and you believe the relationship is worth keeping, forgive that person and tell them that. I can speak from experience, that sometimes hearing the words, "I forgive you," makes all the difference.
And know that sometimes, forgiveness doesn't always mean keeping someone if your life. If they bring you only negativity, let them loose. You can forgive them for their wrong doing - not to appease them, but to release the anger from your own heart so you can move on.
9. THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
Life can get messy. It's not always going to be rainbows and butterflies. You can't plan everything and sometimes you just have to go with the flow. Most importantly, remember, if God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it.
10. LIFE IS SHORT - SAY I LOVE YOU OFTEN.
I think you know this one well, but remember that tomorrow is not promised and remind those you hold close to your heart, how much you love them as often as you can.
[I love you, tehe]
11. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
You're an incredible young lady, Kylie, and I truly believe you are capable of anything you set your mind to, so please, believe that too - it'll make a world of a difference.
12. BE PRESENT.
Again, life is short. It's good to have goals for your future, but remember to be in the present. Take in the life you are living day by day, and cherish those around you, and enjoy the 'now.'
13. BECAUSE DRIVING IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER... BE A GOOD DRIVER, PLEASE. I BEG YOU.
Go the speed limit. Use your blinker. Don't text and drive - your life, as well as others are far too important. Park well... every time. Bad parking? Fix it. All jokes aside, I'm serious on this one. Don't inconvenience everyone else.
14. EAT CLEAN, STAY ACTIVE, BUT STILL EAT PIZZA.
As you get older, you'll learn that living a healthy lifestyle is important. But so is pizza. #Balance
15. BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL... TO MY FUTURE KIDDOS, PLEASE.
Lord knows you will be in my child's life just as I am in yours, and they'll be watching your every move. I hope to teach you the things I feel I've done right in being your role model, and I hope you learn from the mistakes I've made as well.
I'm sure that after I post this I'll think of a dozen other things that I wish I would have included, but for now, this will do.
Today is Kylie's 15th birthday (and boy does it make me feel old!), and in honor of that I wanted to share 15 things I Hope to Teach her. I thought of doing 15 things I love about her, but that would have been way too easy, so I opted for a more challenging post!
15 Things I Hope to Teach My 15 Year Old Sister:
1. BE KIND, & STAY SWEET.
Kylie, you are undeniably one of the sweetest people in my life. In everything you do, don't lose that. "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." -- Philo of Alexandria
2. BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER, AND PRAY FEARLESSLY
Throughout life's heartaches, pain, or loss, remember if God brings you to your knees, know you're in the perfect position to pray.
3. NEVER SETTLE & KNOW YOUR WORTH.
Some people may disagree with this, but as my mom told me, don't date someone you wouldn't marry. You never know who you're going to fall in love with. Once you learn what you want and need in a relationship, never settle for less than that.
4. ICE CREAM & FROZEN YOGURT ARE NEVER A BAD IDEA.
This one needs no explanation.
5. WORK HARD SWEET GIRL.
Having a good work ethic will go a long way. Be punctual, stay positive, be a team player, communicate, take initiative, be willing to learn more, and go the extra mile. I promise it'll pay off.
6. SEE THE GOOD IN PEOPLE.
Give people the benefit of the doubt. Yes, there are crappy people in this world, but for the most part I like to believe most people are good - you just have to give them a chance to show it.
7. ALWAYS TRUST YOUR GUT.
While I think it's good to try to see the good in people, don't be naive and trust what your gut tells you. If you feel like something or someone is off, you're probably right. Trust your judgement - it's more important than you know.
8. FORGIVE, IF NOT FOR OTHERS, FOR YOURSELF.
Forgiveness isn't easy, sometimes it's straight up difficult. If someone you love made a mistake, but owns up to it and apologizes sincerely, and you believe the relationship is worth keeping, forgive that person and tell them that. I can speak from experience, that sometimes hearing the words, "I forgive you," makes all the difference.
And know that sometimes, forgiveness doesn't always mean keeping someone if your life. If they bring you only negativity, let them loose. You can forgive them for their wrong doing - not to appease them, but to release the anger from your own heart so you can move on.
9. THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
Life can get messy. It's not always going to be rainbows and butterflies. You can't plan everything and sometimes you just have to go with the flow. Most importantly, remember, if God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it.
10. LIFE IS SHORT - SAY I LOVE YOU OFTEN.
I think you know this one well, but remember that tomorrow is not promised and remind those you hold close to your heart, how much you love them as often as you can.
[I love you, tehe]
11. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
You're an incredible young lady, Kylie, and I truly believe you are capable of anything you set your mind to, so please, believe that too - it'll make a world of a difference.
12. BE PRESENT.
Again, life is short. It's good to have goals for your future, but remember to be in the present. Take in the life you are living day by day, and cherish those around you, and enjoy the 'now.'
13. BECAUSE DRIVING IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER... BE A GOOD DRIVER, PLEASE. I BEG YOU.
Go the speed limit. Use your blinker. Don't text and drive - your life, as well as others are far too important. Park well... every time. Bad parking? Fix it. All jokes aside, I'm serious on this one. Don't inconvenience everyone else.
14. EAT CLEAN, STAY ACTIVE, BUT STILL EAT PIZZA.
As you get older, you'll learn that living a healthy lifestyle is important. But so is pizza. #Balance
15. BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL... TO MY FUTURE KIDDOS, PLEASE.
Lord knows you will be in my child's life just as I am in yours, and they'll be watching your every move. I hope to teach you the things I feel I've done right in being your role model, and I hope you learn from the mistakes I've made as well.
I'm sure that after I post this I'll think of a dozen other things that I wish I would have included, but for now, this will do.
Happy 15th Birthday Sweetie - you're beautiful inside and out. Please know how thankful I am for you, how much I appreciate you, and what joy you bring into my life every day. I love you more than words can express!
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