A Teen’s Letter to Her Future Child About the Importance of Standing Up to Bullies and Giving Selflessly

To my future child:

I write this letter to, hopefully, give you an understanding of the world you live in. We live in a world where times are rough, but our commitment to do better and grow mentally, physically, and spiritually goes a long way to tide over them. I want to see you become the best version of yourself and change lives for the better. 

It is important to understand that your growth can make such a positive change on others and they will look up to you to make a positive change themselves. Giving to the community and serving others is an amazing experience that will change your life. You will find yourself feeling good and having gratitude for the things you have, not only that you will find yourself giving and not expecting to receive anything except for the joy and warm feeling of making a difference, even if it is small. 

This example of giving to others will both mentally and spiritually show growth in you and how to perceive the world and others around you. Physically, you need to challenge yourself and work towards the goal of being strong and feeling satisfied with the way you feel about your body, and not how society would want you to look. Having expectations on how you should look will bring negative energy into your life, as on the other hand, feeling good about the energy that runs through your body and how you look when you look at yourself in the mirror and smile will keep you going on a positive stride. 

Having expectations on how you should look will bring negative energy into your life.

            With the mental, physical, and spiritual growth comes values that will be embedded in you. I want you to be able to stand up for yourself and others in situations that may find you and them in trouble. I always have believed to stand up for what is right and not back down from those who are intimidating, but rather show you are not afraid of them and choose to stand up against them when they are wrong. This value teaches you confidence and self-reliance and armed with the confidence you have built; you can take on the world with just your pinky. Another thing I have always valued is, respecting your elders and tending to their needs lovingly. 

            I never really understood why these values were so important until I experienced what it was like being in those situations. When I was younger, I never stood up to others or for others, because I was scared of judgment. After many years of being bullied and seeing others being bullied, I stood up and showed them that I am not scared and towered over them with such confidence. It made me the person I am today and I am so proud of myself for how far I have come. I want you to be able to do the same. But don’t let that confidence take away the importance of respecting others for their opinions because that is none other than bullying. We lose the innocence that was given to us if we indulge in that very thing we are trying to prevent. 

Most importantly, “treat others the way you want to be treated.” This quote has far more meaning than often perceived. If you want to be treated with respect, we give the same respect to others. If we want kindness, we do the same for others. If we want to not be lied to, we must not lie to others. If you do not treat others the same way you want to be treated, it will come back to bite you. That is one major lesson I learned. 

I hope that all of this advice helps you. I can’t wait to see where life takes you and how much you grow and impact this world. I am proud to call you my child. Remember, only you can change yourself, the rest of the world will follow!

Love,

Riddhimaa

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Riddhimaa Kothari is a high school senior in Allendale, N.J. She aspires to make a change for not only her generation but the ones that are to come after me. She wants children to help their community by volunteering, without expecting to receive anything back. A selfless act itself is so powerful that we feel nothing but joy in the littlest things and that is what will connect us together spiritually.