Throughout history receiving a letter was a treasured gift of communication. The first letters were written with quill ink on parchment and sealed with wax to secure them. The envelope was later invented to offer more security and protection of the written word contained inside. Now we have email and text messages to transmit our thoughts through time and space. Even with these convenient modern advances, I enjoy the act of opening a physical envelope to read a person’s handwritten letter. A person’s handwriting is personal and unique; revealing a part of their heart, soul and character. Their energy becomes a part of the page, captured in that one moment of time.
As a licensed mental health counselor and creative writing coach, I know that words are a powerful healing tool. Expressive art therapy, in the form of writing, improves mood states when focused on positive events, feelings and thoughts. In 2014, at a turning point in my career, I decided to write a letter to my future self. I not only did that first letter but have continued this practice for the last 3 years in a row. Why not give yourself the gift of a personalized handwritten letter?
How often do I need to do this?
In my experience, a 1 year interval is a good amount of time to revisit your goals and accomplishments. There may be periods in your life that you would like some extra support or a stronger commitment from yourself. In these instances, write a letter for a 6 month or less timing. Listen within and trust that whatever you decide, will be right for you.
What do I write?
At first, it may feel awkward writing to yourself. What helps is if you write each letter as if you are in communication with your best friend or someone who is beloved to you. When you use this type of warm tone and language, you are connected to your heart and soul. Ask yourself various questions concerning what and who is important to you now as if you are catching up with a friend at a coffee shop.
Inquire to your future self about the plans you have for this upcoming year personally and professionally. Focus on what you would like to create through goal setting. In your next letter, follow up and ask how those events went and who was there. Delve into what were the best parts of your year and what were the parts you would like to let go of.
Focus on what you have done well this year, rather than on what you did not accomplish. A great way to fill your cup and rejuvenate your energy is to give yourself advice and encouragement. Acknowledge who you are by writing down all of the characteristics that make you unique and loveable. Use this opportunity to see how you have grown emotionally and spiritually.
Who is in your social circle? Write about your support system, friends and family members that you have kept in touch with. What do you do for work and who are you working with?
End each letter with love and gratitude for every part of yourself. Be grateful to have another year with you on this Earth and all the abundance that you currently enjoy. This act of love and appreciation is a manifestation tool bringing you more of what you desire into your life.
Where do I put my letter?
Place the letter in an envelope and seal it shut. Design the front of the envelope and write your name on it, along with the date to be opened. If you are tempted to peek, write on the front and/or back of your envelope; DO NOT OPEN UNTIL________. Â Place it someplace that you will find it in the span of time that you have designated. It can be helpful to place it in your calendar or desk planner. Others set a reminder in their phone for the future date.
When the date arrives find a place of solitude indoors or outside. You may want to light a candle and play soft music. Read what you wrote and really absorb this act of loving kindness that you have done for yourself. Write a new letter and seal it up for the next opening date. You can choose to keep your previous letter or burn it safely to release it, opening up to a new year.
Why write a letter to myself?
The benefits of this practice are acknowledging who you are, connecting with self-love, creating a keepsake memory for the future and goal setting. This simple act gives you hope and something to look forward to. Every year, I forget what I wrote and find it a pleasant surprise each time I open a letter from myself.
What a wonderful practice! I don’t write a letter but do a yearly workbook that I revisit every year with all my loving messages and goals and dreams. I might try the letter practice 🙂
Thanks Rachel, the future self letter is a great gift to give to yourself!
Appreciating the detail you give to this lovely and inspiring practice, Lisa. You KNOW I love and appreciate writing letters and getting them. I might just do this tonight in honor of the day’s Summer Solstice.
Thanks Lore. I know you, like myself, have a passion for writing. I am grateful to inspire a new practice for you.
What a beautiful ritual! I appreciate the depth that you take this to. I will use your suggestions and adopt this for myself. Thank you, Lisa!
You are welcome Laurie and thank you. I am wishing you many blessings with your future self letter!
At the church I used to go to we would write letters with our affirmations for the coming new year and give them to the pastor. She would hold on to them and mail them out after New Year’s Day. It was always a surprise to see how many things we were able to manifest in the year past and what still needed work. Your post has me wanting to do it again, perhaps on my birthday which is coming up soon!
Barb, happy early birthday! Thanks for sharing that experience here and many blessings with your future self letter.
What a lovely idea. Back when I was conducting a LOT of in-person workshops, I sometimes had participants write a letter to themselves about something they wanted to take away from our work together. They sealed and self-addressed the envelopes, then handed them to me. Depending on the nature of the workshop, I would mail their love letters to themselves a month or three later. Bonus? Sometimes they picked up the phone or sent me an email update. Thanks for a lovely memory.
Thanks Andrea. I did that same writing practice with a class of mine in the past and mailed them out a few months later. It was a nice way to re-connect after the class. I am glad that it sparked that great memory for you!
Very nice idea
Thank you Heather!
Love this practice! Great ideas! It would give good perspective on how far you’ve come, and also inspire to keep going!
Thanks Kris, I am glad you enjoyed this article and this writing practice. It is a great way to acknowledge your personal progress.
Thank you for the great advice. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. Peace, Love, and Rock ‘n’ Roll!!!
You are welcome Larry. Sorry for the delay with my response. Have a wonderful 2018! Many Blessings Lisa