“...You'll look back and laugh (or cry) about the things you wasted time worrying about when you were young.

An entry for WoLF’s “Letters to Girls” Series

By Anne

Dear Girls:
You are beautiful just the way you are. You don't need eyeliner. You don't need false eyelashes. You don't need fake nails or a gel manicure. None of these things make you attractive to men, boys, or anyone else. They waste your time and money. That's what they are designed for--to separate you from your money. These are high-profit-margin products sold by corporations.

The influencers on Instagram are fake. They are using software, makeup, lighting and camera angles to appear to be something they are not. Delete your Instagram account.

An emaciated appearance, or fake breasts, does not make you attractive. They make you look like you need help. If you desire such an appearance, perhaps you do need help.

You don't need attention from all men or boys. You only need attention from people whom you like. Those people should appreciate you for who you are.

There is nothing more important than your health. Enjoy the outdoors, safely. Hike, bike, ski, ice skate. Nature is a transcendent experience. You can challenge yourself and follow the safety rules at the same time. Play sports if you enjoy them. Don't overdo it. A serious injury during youth may show up as a health problem later in life.

Travel while you're still young. It gets harder as you get older.

If you want to experiment with alcohol, do it with your female friends. Don't do drugs. Drug addiction isn't fun. Take a walk around a neighborhood such as the Tenderloin in San Francisco to find out what drugs do to people.

Develop an inner life. Appreciate literature, music, classic films. You don't need the company of anyone else to enjoy the arts. Learn to play an instrument or to write stories or poems. Creativity is a joy that helps you discover yourself.

Don't fear growing older. A lot of things get better.

When you're my age, you'll look back and laugh (or cry) about the things you wasted time worrying about when you were young.