An open letter to my baby sister

Dear Ruby,


You were born complete. Never go searching for your ‘other half’ - you have always been whole. Look for someone who makes you happy, someone who inspires you and someone who is inspired by you. I don’t want you to find the perfect guy, I want you to find yourself.


You are beautiful. The girls you see in magazines, they’re not real but you are. You are a work of art incomparable to anyone else. Be confident. Be Adventurous. Be yourself. You are enough. 


Don’t be afraid to fall in love. It will be thrilling and you will catch your breath over and over and over again. Let it keep you up at night, let it haunt your dreams. Be consumed, be vulnerable, feel everything.  


There is every chance you will have your heart broken and I can tell you from experience it will hurt more than you ever imagined. You will cry more tears than you thought possible. You will wonder if you will ever feel anything again - you will, and it will be worth it.


Always trust that the sun will rise tomorrow, you will make some coffee and you will carry on.  Dad once told me this when I wanted to give up…


“Ah well girl, there is always tomorrow - it’s a good thing they keep making days.”


Ruby, you will make friends, so many friends, and you will lose them too. They will let you down, they will make you angry and make you cry. Know that you too will hurt your friends, you will let them down and you will be responsible for their tears. 


Admit your mistakes. Never underestimate the power of an apology and never ruin an apology with an excuse. Remember that everyone is fighting a battles and carrying weights that you can’t always see. Always keep your mind, your eyes and your heart wide open. 


Cherish your parents. They won’t be around forever and one day you will give anything to have them beside you. Listen to your mother - she is one of the smartest people I know. Go easy on Dad, he loves you and he is trying his hardest. You will break hearts that much is certain, but Ruby, don't break his. 


Be brave. Believe that you can do anything, (I believe you can). Dream big, work hard, be humble, don’t give up and I promise the world will be your oyster. 


Life goes by quickly - try to keep up. Set goals and chase them, be in control, be inquisitive, never stop wondering, never settle for less than you deserve and if you’re ever unsure what that is - ask me. 


Feed your soul Ruby, read books, travel the world, sing in the car, get lost, watch the sunrise, swim in the ocean, don’t wear heels you can’t dance in. 


Take care of your body, you only get one.


It’s okay to fail. Its over to start over (I’ve done it so many times). Take risks - move away from home knowing you can always come back. Your family will always be ready to catch you if you fall so make the most of it and take big leaps. Be honest with yourself, don’t be afraid to be wrong and believe me when I say that if it doesn’t challenge you - it won’t change you. 


Expect good things to happen - they will. Look for the good in people - you will find it.  Smile at strangers, give to buskers, tip generously and always offer a cup of tea when someone is sad. 
Don’t let the world make you bitter or defeated, you are stronger than you think. You will say a thousand goodbyes and you will cry until your head hurts but you will also meet amazing people and laugh until you can’t breathe. Doors will close on you but you will find ones that open. 


People will fall hopelessly in love with you and you will change lives - you already have.  


Dear Ruby, you are one year old today and you are amazing. You have already made my life richer and the world better.  You have your whole life ahead of you and I am so proud to be your sister.


You will always be loved, you will always be important, you will always be beautiful and I will always be on your side. 


With endless love,
Your sister, Gess