DEAR DAUGHTER, Today you turned 13 and you are officially a full-fledged teenager. I feel like I blinked and you went from a precious 13 month old to precious 13-year-old. Being a teenager isn’t easy, but being a teenage girl in today’s world of social media is even more challenging. Let the light and love of God serve as a compass as you navigate your way through the teenage years, find your true strong beautiful self knowing that you are unconditionally loved. Surround yourself with good people to help you through those times when you need someone besides me to cheer you on. Hard work, emotional pain, tough conversations and feeling vulnerable are all normal. Choose friends who want you to be your best. Real friends will never pressure you into doing something you don’t want. Don’t forget to be a good friend back. I hope you know that whatever you want is achievable. Speak up when things aren’t right and never be afraid to use your voice. Don’t ever give your self-respect away. No boy is worth losing your self for. Think for yourself. Trust your intuition. You are smart and you know what’s right – Learn to love your own company and time spent taking care of yourself. Continue to love reading and learning. A good book is such a better friend than an iPad. Don’t let technology replace your love of stories and life. And don’t compare your life, your body or your beauty to other people just because they have more likes or followers. Reality is lost on social media and real versions of who people are don’t get posted. Value your time more and invest in relationships with people, not social media personalities. Your life isn’t meant to look like anyone else’s, so just love you and remind yourself what and who really matters. No matter what happens, nothing will ever change my love for you or my dreams for your happiness. You were made to be different, unique and wonderful and to use your gifts and talents to make the world a better place. Write your own story. Let your light shine. Be a voice, not an echo. In a world where you can be anything, be yourself. Happy birthday Princess #alanisnwadire @neka_youth #lovemummy https://www.instagram.com/p/BrbhOulhMB9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=155nwgeur9xfq