By: Deirdre Littlefield
I love watching your excitement as you prepare for the first day of Middle School. Your folders are labelled, hair is brushed, and your thick, new socks are pulled to the knees.
I’m not sure if I should warn you about these next few years or just let you learn on your own. School is about to become challenging. Perfect grades will be require far more effort and peer pressure will kick in.
You will witness your peers fighting for top position, insulting one another to get there. You will find interest in girls but insecurity may hold you back from initiating regular conversation. You’ll still find joy in playing after school, but time will become evasive. Everything I say will annoy you, and my voice will often sound like nails going down a chalkboard.
I want you to know that it’s okay.
I will not take it personally, and I hope you don’t either. It’s normal to feel confused while you figure out who you are and what you stand for.
I encourage you to stand alone, even when it’s scary. I pray that you feel comfort in our home when the outside world feels uncomfortable. I urge you to heed that inner voice you have because it will never steer you wrong. Your gut will always tell the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it.
You will struggle, and you will fall. You will make mistakes, and I will forgive you. Remember that you are always safe at home. Happiness brings contentment which comes from inside. Start each day with a goal and work until it’s yours. Live each day with principle and you will sleep well at night.
It’s easy to blend in but I dare you to stand out.
Community Voices for Health 