Dear, Princess
I can’t believe you’re turning 16!! The same age I was when pencil jeans were the real deal (yet they were so tight that you had to lie down to zip them up😂), when Facebook was social media King, and when we would watch Papa Shirandula family show on Thursday causing us all to laugh our hearts out! Yooh, those were the days, the beautiful olden days. I can’t believe that 11 years later, things have drastically changed on my end! My preference has switched to mummy/boyfriend jeans, I can’t stand what Facebook has become, and I barely know what shows are trending on both local and international TV.
But truth be told, some things don’t change.
- Your friends will feel like your entire world… until they aren’t.
I had tight buddies at 16 who felt like everything to me. We would laugh until we cry and even swore to be bridesmaids at each other’s weddings😂. But here’s the truth: Some of those people are still around and we talk once in a while, but others? I neither know where they are nor what happened to them ! And this isn’t because we just let go of each other, but it’s because life happened when adulthood started happening. It’s pretty normal, sis. We went to different universities, lost touch, met other friends along the way, relocated severally due to work, others got married and got kids and now have new family responsibilities…yaani, it’s a whole spectrum when you come to think of it, and it shows you the temporary nature of this life. The only constant and permanent friend you can have and count on to the end of time is Christ! He is your friend ever so faithful, who you can always share your sorrows with! - You’ll fight with Mom. (Sorry, it’s unavoidable during the teenage stage.)
At 16, I always felt that mom was “literally the worst” and too overprotective for life for not letting me go to some teenage party or sleepover at a friend’s place. I would roll my eyes when mom said, “You’ll thank me later.” but now, I am thanking her later. Now? I totally get it. She is definitely not perfect, but she is usually right. Actually, the saying “what an old man sees while sitting, a young man cannot see while standing” couldn’t have put it in a better way. There is experience and wisdom that comes with age that you may not possess at 16. - You’ll change. A lot.
They say change is the only constant thing! The girl you are at 16 isn’t the lady you’ll be at 20, 25 or even 27 (like me now). And that’s amazing since it shows that you are actually growing. I thought I had everything figured out, but as it turns out, figuring it out is the point of adulthood. I have had a lot to learn, unlearn and relearn over the years despite how scary and crazy it has been sometimes. For example, my preferences in terms of a guy to date and settle down with were whack back then. Their looks, voice, eloquence, sense of style and humour carried the day (This is not to say that I don’t consider that now) but it’s just to say that it has to go further than that, to the intricacies of being a godly husband and father! So, don’t be in a rush to make such life-changing decisions. Take your time to seek the LORD, grow emotionally and psychologically, and understand what makes you tick and what ticks you off. - The Phone Is a Communication Tool, Not Your Life.
Back then in 2014, social media was less diverse as right now and we used our phones mostly for long calls and long chat threads via SMS . There were no reels on Instagram, just filtered selfies. TitTok just exploded the other day during the pandemic. But now, your whole life is literally online. Reels are being posted left, right and center on TikTok, Instagram and even Facebook. We barely have time for those genuine catch-ups without our phones and a minute can’t go by without us trying to scroll on our timelines to know what our friends have been up to since trends change hourly. As you turn 16, I would advise that you take this up differently. Scroll less and try to live more. Enjoy the simple sunshine, the calming breeze and even those beautiful conversations with mom. And always remember, not everyone on Instagram has a better life than yours. Comparison is a thief of simple joys. Your journey is yours alone, sis.
And lastly, the other thing that doesn’t change is that however old you get, you’ll always be our little Princess who we love with all our hearts!
So, happy 16th, young one. May our good God teach you His way that you may walk in His Truth!
❤️
Ta chère sœur