Dear Young Ladies,
Before you brace yourselves for a lecture, let me assure you this isn’t one of those letters. You know the type—an adult attempting to guide you on how to dress or act. I, too, find those missives tiresome.
You may not recall our brief encounter at the local pool, but I was the adult who, in a moment of courage, ventured to the high dive. My younger son challenged me: “If you jump, I’ll show you my best cannonball.” Easy enough, I thought. But as I climbed the ladder and peered over the edge, I realized the height was daunting!
The last time I took a leap from that height, I was just a few years older than you, but time has a way of reshaping perspectives. Suddenly, the risks of wardrobe malfunctions, unexpected belly flops, and water rushing up my nose felt overwhelmingly real.
“I always need a few attempts before I can jump,” one of you remarked as you paced back and forth on the board. You exhibited determination, walking to the edge, retreating, and then finally taking the plunge after a few tries. Your courage inspired me, even as I hesitated to step onto the board myself.
As I stood there, watching you and the younger children jump, I struggled with my own fears. For twenty minutes, I tried to summon the bravery to leap, reminding myself that challenges are part of growth. I thought about how I preach the importance of overcoming fear to my children.
Each time I stepped onto the board, you offered encouragement. “It’s okay to be scared,” one of you said. “Just look out at the trees.” Your friend chimed in, “It feels like flying!” We shared a laugh over the song playing overhead, Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’,” which felt oddly fitting.
Despite your friendly nudges, I still retreated multiple times. “Not today, kids,” I said, apologizing to the younger ones who eagerly awaited my jump. But then one of you locked eyes with me and said with gentle firmness, “You’ll regret it if you don’t jump today.”
You were right. With that thought in mind, I stepped back onto the board. I looked at the trees, took a deep breath, and leapt. Cheers erupted as I hit the water, and your voices called out, “Good job!”
I tried to express my gratitude as you walked by, but you were caught up in your own joyful teenage moments. I soon had to leave, but the encounter stayed with me.
As I reflected on that day, my friend joked about my imminent blog post, and I couldn’t help but think of you two. While it’s easy to write about fear and perseverance, what truly struck me was how much I learned from you.
In a world often focused on the over-sexualization of young women and the scrutiny of your choices, it’s crucial to highlight the positive aspects of youth. You teach us the value of bravery, resilience, and the importance of second chances. You remind us that we are all in this journey together, learning and growing side by side.
So, keep leaping into new adventures, embracing the joy of living fully. Your courage inspires those around you, and as we navigate this life, we are all learning from one another.
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In summary, teenage girls, your bravery and resilience are commendable. Keep jumping, keep exploring, and know that we are all learning from you as we navigate the complexities of life together.