I'm still very young and compared to Maya Angelou not as experienced or developed. I don't know if I have a lot to give to a younger self, but I wish to try. Maya Angelou said to find a piece of art and to admire it. Right now I appreciate movies as an art and I enjoyed them as a child, but not with actual thought and feeling.
Dear first grade Maire Kate,
You are probably too young to even understand this, but I know mom would help you. You enjoy movies and see characters then go and enjoy acting them out. As you grow don't lose that love with movies, but instead of acting them out, learn from them. I'm still not proud of us acting as a "mean girl" or "popular girl". I would love for you to understand that popularity doesn't matter. Please don't find joy in bossing kids on the playground or wanting people to follow you around. It's mean and not pretty. You will soon regret it and get a taste of rudeness. But I'm also proud that you will grow out of it; sadly, you will get a taste of it as you grow, but don't let it bring you down. I wish for you to learn young and have your eyes opened. Then again you will become aware of things as you grow. I just don't wish regret upon us and if I could change that mean act I would.
When the eye opening act comes don't wish pain upon yourself because you are so much more than the pain inside you. It stinks that we are given moments of conflict and despair, but it will be worth it. Don't lose your love for movies because they will bring joy and creativity; even as you grow that love for movies will develop into more. I also ask of you to stop and appreciate all around you because in those moments of despair you will need what you have. You are so blessed. Not just with a loving family, but with a school filled with people and ways of learning and development. Stop thinking of yourself as the popular or mean girls did, but stop and listen or speak with someone you wouldn't. You will learn you're a better person if you put yourself last in certain situations. Give everyone a chance even if others around you aren't because they will see your kindness and confidence to reach out. Overall learn to learn.
P.S. I recommend you save this letter and reread it each school year.
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