I’m the youngest in my family.
I grew up in the shadow of a brilliant, athletic, guitar prodigy. My elder by 2 years, my brother is undoubtedly gifted in all of the arts, has an ambitious and powerful work ethic, and an inquisitive mind that means he knows something about everything.
Honestly, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t accustomed to coming in in second place (at least). Seemingly fresh out of the womb, I was immersed in a world where I quickly realized I might never be the fastest, or the smartest, or the best.
While in childhood, I didn’t love this — at this point in my life, I’m so unbelievably grateful.
Being the youngest has many perks — you get to be the cutest for longer — still milking that one — get away with more, and generally have less limitations (or get access to fun stuff earlier).
But it also teaches you humility from day one.
I learned to work hard and do my best without the expectation of a gold medal.
I fell on my face enough times that it didn’t hurt that much anymore.
I had to learn to laugh at myself early, something that has served me well through years of being uncoordinated and tripping over my words.
Those were painful lessons to learn, many accompanied by a tantrum or two, but they were instrumental in the development of confidence that was not grounded on a couple meaningless achievements, but in my actual person.
In fact, being the youngest is the only reason why I was able to develop the confidence I have now entirely.
While getting used to losing meant that I could never allow myself to be defined by certain successes, my brother is one of the main reasons I learned how to value things that really matter.
See, ultimately, the very best part of being the youngest sibling — is having an older one. Not only did I learn lots of lessons from being the baby of the family, but I also got a built-in best friend.
I don’t just have a role model, I have a therapist/bodyguard/teacher/ confidant who actively looks out for me and constantly speaks truth into my life. My brother and I have an enormous amount of respect for each other and our relationship.
We argue, laugh, call each other out, make fun of each other, give advice, listen, have matching tattoos, and ultimately understand each other.
There is a bond between siblings that no one else in the world will ever understand. It’s not just blood, but having grown up in the exact same setting, seeing each other through every stage of life, creates an unbreakable tie.
My brother taught me how to work hard for things, as well as what’s worth working hard for, the value of knowledge, and how to laugh and make other people laugh.
He’s shown me what it looks like to fight for what you want, to stand up for yourself and he never lets me doubt that he’s proud of me.
Sure, there’s probably great things about being the oldest sibling. In the early years, you get to always be the best, fastest, smartest.
But honestly? I wouldn’t trade my place for anything in the world.
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