Le’Le’,
I love you, more than you can imagine. If you don’t take anything else from this letter, sleep at night knowing that someone loves you. As difficult as growing up must be and as lonely as feelings can be to understand and go through, you are never truly alone. In that, act accordingly. Don’t allow yourself to derail. To be loved means you are always seen, you are always held to love’s standards. Do not lose yourself in playfulness. You are born to be an elder. You are a leader, and what you choose to do in your own life — your brothers, sisters, friends, will respond to in depth and full.
Move as if divine, move under the watch of your mother, your father, and grandmother. Move in respect for the dignity of your family. Live and breathe this respect and love for yourself as I love you. As they love you.
Others will come to know you when you walk in the light of their insecurities. So don’t be afraid to be emotional, or to talk and speak for yourself as if it’s your superpower. And in that practice, learn more of where your strengths and weaknesses meet. Don’t be ashamed to learn. Some of the best lessons are repeated and take time. Please don’t slack on yourself. Apply yourself — give it your all whenever you reach or commit to something. Do this, I beg you, because you are worth it!
There is purpose in valuing people, what they feel, what they say. But it is what we do in our actions that will ultimately define us and our place in this world, and the next. Do not ridicule. Do not share in harshness or bullying. This is a great disservice to your family. Judge your surroundings, watch carefully and keep an ear open to the people you keep around you. Not everyone is your friend, you may not always be in good company just because they make you feel good or safe.
Lastly, I ask you to close your eyes, breathe, and find your intuition. Let your heart and loved ones guide you. | LH