Dear Sybil,

Well, today is your 13th birthday - despite the threats mum made that you wouldn't make it, you're finally here!

I know you're anxious to assert your independence and escape the drudgery of family life on the farm, but don't be too hasty in wishing your life away, Syb - you will be tasting the good and bad of independence soon enough. Here are some words of wisdom I want to share with you:   

Next year, when a boy attempts to kiss you in the pool at the swimming carnival, it's preferable to politely ask him to stop rather than bite his lip, causing a blood-bath and drawing unwanted attention to yourself. It's also preferable that you don't humiliate him further by burying your knee into his nether regions, causing him to almost drown - again, more unwanted attention ... AND a detention for both of you.

Speaking of boys, don't accept rides from strangers in clubs - especially ones who drink Passion Pop from the bottle. This is a sure-fire recipe for teenage pregnancies and broken marriages - best to maintain your independence a bit longer, Syb. And keep away from the Passion Pop - it's poison.

You will have more than your fair share of tragedy, honey - affairs, bust-ups, family traumas and loss of loved ones, life-threatening health challenges, an ongoing dance with depression ... but you will temper this with an unwavering faith in the goodness of humanity and your uncanny ability to turn each problem into a positive. There will be some dark days where your sense of humour and faith will abandon you, but your strength and courage will see you through. Thank heavens for bubbles - shared with good friends, these will see you through the roughest of times. Just remember to drink them from a glass occasionally - slurping from the bottle is somewhat inelegant, dear friend. 

Stop reading your daily horoscope, too - I can guarantee you won't become a millionaire, find Mr Right, travel the Seven Seas, or win Australian Idol. You will, however, earn a decent living following your passion, meet Mr Snores-a-lot, enjoy daggy family holidays at the beach, and sing so badly your family and friends beg you to stop. So save yourself the 5 minutes a day it takes to read them and use it instead to reflect daily on the simple joys and blessings in your life.

There's certainly more than a touch of 'Pollyanna' about you, Sybil - keep focused on the good things in life, learn from the less desirable experiences, and live well. Be confident you can weather any storm, even if it knocks you off your feet - you are resourceful enough to always find a way through to even greater strength.

Keep safe and keep smiling, Syb.

With love,
Sybil