A Letter to Leah, aged 13

Originally written 17th September 2012

LV
LV
Sep 8, 2018 · 3 min read

o Know your worth — never let anyone decide if for you

o You can do anything if you put your mind to it

o Love who you want to — regardless of gender, size, ethnicity, sexuality, hair colour, wealth, status, but only love someone who loves you for you

o Listen to music, read books and watch films that help you grow

o Take notes from everything you see and hear in your life, you never know when it may be relevant

o Be any size, shape and build you want as long as you’re happy and healthy

o Take care of yourself and your body, never let anyone punish it, even yourself

o Wear make up only it you want to — either way, look after your skin, it will love you for it later

o Talk to your family, know their stories, know their past, their present and their future

o Your Mum will always be your best friend. Your Dad will always be your shoulder to cry on. You brothers will always be your soldiers

o Ask questions always — question what you see happening around you

o Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — just learn from them and move on

o Enjoy your youth, it will be over before you know it

o Take photos, cherish moments with your family and friends, you never know when they will be gone

o Put thought into what you want to your future to me but don’t dwell on it, everything will work out alright

o Don’t be afraid to take risks but be careful at the same time

o Know your own limits

o Fall in love with tradition but don’t be afraid to leave it behind

o Keep in touch with those you love — call you mum and dad as often as you can when you move out

o Know that most friends will let you down, come and go but there will always be someone who is there consistently, even if it’s just in the background

o Families will fight but don’t worry. Don’t hold grudges, they are unhealthy.

o Always stand up for what you believe in

o Travel when you can, even if it’s just to the next county or 10 minutes down the road

o Be productive — sitting inside doing nothing is only good for you once in a while. Sit in the garden, be outside, enjoy the sky, the grass and the clouds

o Work hard and support yourself as best you can but don’t struggle or go without, your family will never let you fall

o Practise self love and self care — cry when you have to, never be afraid to just let the tears flow, you’ll be surprised how good it can feel. Enjoy baths with bubbles and candles. Eat cake, laugh, take time out to just think and be

o Don’t be bitter about things you inevitably will not want or care for

o Don’t let your upbringing define you — make your future your own

o Sometimes doing big things and taking big leaps is scary but stick at it

o Fight your own battles as much as you can, but don’t be afraid to call for back up

o Remember who you are at all times — you are a special being, no one can take that away from you

o Always wear the right size bra — get fitted and don’t be afraid of your body

o Don’t let anyone touch you, hug you or kiss you unless you want them too, it’s your body and no one owns it but you

o If a friendship starts to take up too much of your energy, sever it whilst you can

o Don’t be afraid to experience what the world has to offer but always trust your instincts — surround yourself with people you trust

o You owe nothing to anyone but yourself

o Only let good people into your life — if they stop being good, get rid of them

o Never let anyone tell you to smile — only smile when you want to

o First impressions always count so make sure you always make a good one — never let them forget your name or who you are

o Save some money for the future — but don’t be afraid to treat yourself

o Don’t be afraid to fall in love

o But first and foremost, always be you ♥

LV

Written by

LV

zinester & unapologetic feminist killjoy

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