Letter to my 15-year-old self with Leila Mwangangi

Niaje SKY Girls, naitwa Leila Mwangangi na nilicheza “Akinyi” on PAA Season 3.

Listening to music and currently learning moves, I mean, dancing is my thing.

Backstabbing, vapping and body shaming is not my thing.

Dear 15-year-old Leila,

If I could sit across from you right now, ningeshika mkono yako na nikushow; unafanya better than unathink.

Najua unafeel pressure ya kuwa the “good girl”. Mwenye ni always understanding, forgiving na mwenye ata bend ndio vitu zisibreak. But babe, you don’t have to do that anymore. Sio lazima ujitwist to be liked or kusilence thoughts zako to keep the peace.

Kutakuwa na moments when people you call “friends” wataku disappoint. One of my friends back in the day alinihurt sana. Alikua anasema mean things behind my back na vile nili notice, alianza kuni leave out of plans. This was really painful coz I really loved our friendship, but the way ilikua inaenda haiku nibamba na I had to choose me. I want you to remember: walking away is not weakness. Kujichagua sio selfish.

Sio lazima ufanye what kila mtu anafanya just to feel seen. Sio lazima u smoke au upretend uko sawa when unavunjika ndani yako ndio ukeep up na squad. Kuna power in your NO.

Friendship sio about who’s the loudest in the group chat au who posts you the most on their IG story. Ni about who listens to you ukiwhisper, “siko sawa btw.” Ni about who holds secrets zako loyally.

So please, Leila, wachilia hio fear of not fitting in. Wachana na the people who dim your light.You were never made to blend in, you were made to stand out.

Nakupenda so much, little me. You’re not lost. You’re just becoming.

Always yours,

Leila