A Letter to my Middle Schooler

My daughter started middle school this school year and while I could make this a whole prose on what this means for me, I want to address my daughter, who may at some point find this when she is much older. 

Jourdan, you are entering a new phase of adolescence. One filled with excitement, curiosity, bodily changes, and maybe some minor insecurities. All of these are par for the course. All of these do not change the fact of how brilliant, creative, and amazing you are. Who you are today, I hope you keep a piece of who you are today for your 30 year old self, she will be looking for it. This experience, through middle school will continue to shape who you are and how you see yourself and before the world tells you anything about yourself, I want you to know you CAN and SHOULD define that for yourself first. Define what it means to be Jourdan, how you feel about yourself, what it means to be a good friend, what do you need to get yourself wherever you would like to go and know that I am always in your corner. I love you as I love myself. 

 You are only limited by what you think you can achieve and who you think you must be in order to achieve it. I suggest you squash that limitation early so you can expand and achieve things you could only imagine. Which brings me to my next piece of advice, don’t be afraid to be seen trying. It is in the attempt that the mastery is attained. Just go for it. The worst that can happen is you end up a little further down the road from where you were before. Don't allow anyone to discourage you from the discovery of your journey. I’m getting too lofty…

Ultimately, I want you to know how brilliant you are, and that you can do hard things and unfamiliar things and there is no one that can stop you no matter what people say. You are not bound by anyone else or their beliefs. I hope middle school brings out the best in your character and allows you to shine in your own right. I hope you further establish your voice and individuality and know that I am always rooting for you. Look to the light and see that you are always there. 

Mom.