letter to my younger self assignment

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Journaling Prompt: A Letter to Your Younger Self 4

ONE WONDERFULLY EFFECTIVE JOURNALING TECHNIQUE is to write a letter to a younger version of yourself. The letter can be to yourself at a specific age or just the general “younger” you. Following is an example of such a letter written by a woman to herself at the age of fourteen and, below that, questions for discussion about what this technique offers the journal writer.

A Letter From One Woman to Her Younger Self

Questions for discussion (use the comment area below to respond).

What does a letter like this reveal about the writer as she looks back on life? Another way of putting this question is: What can she (the writer) learn about herself through this exercise? –
How would writing to her future self be different in nature and quality? –
If you were to write to your younger self, at what age would you choose to write to yourself? –

Try it yourself — The Full Exercise

Think back to a time in your life when you could have used advice from a wiser you. –
Before writing, take a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and bring yourself back, back in memory to that time in your life, re-experiencing the event, emotions, and thoughts of that time. –
Think about what you have learned about yourself and life since then. –
Write your letter. –
Wait a day or two, then read your letter with fresh eyes. What do you notice? What emotions come up for you? What might you change in your life today as a result of what you wrote? Take a few minutes to journal your honest responses. –
Come back her and share a little about your experience. (Let’s learn together.)

4 thoughts on “ Journaling Prompt: A Letter to Your Younger Self ”

My immediate thought was that I’d like to actually do this prompt and I know what the theme would be. Forgiveness. I would like to forgive my younger self for all the stupid stuff I’ve done and the risks I took. Just saying it here is helpful but actually writing at length would be much better. It’s been a long time since a prompt hit a nerve like this one. Thanks!

Suellen, forgiveness is a wonderful theme/letter to write to a younger self. We could all use a little forgiveness, particularly from our harsh judging inner critics. Thanks for sharing.

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My Breakthrough Moment: Writing a Letter to My Younger Self

Don’t let the past control your present. Instead, face the past head-on with a letter to your younger self, like the one I wrote.

If you’ve ever sat down to write a letter when you’re mad or upset, you know the experience can be cathartic. It’s the same when you address the letter to yourself — your younger self.

Don’t let the past control your present. If you hold onto things that upset you — even something you’ve done to yourself — it can create a cloud of negativity that follows you around for years.

Instead, face the past head-on with a letter to your younger self, just like mine below.

A Letter to My Younger Self

Dear Kayla,

You’re a full-fledged adult now, can you believe it? At 15, you wanted the years to fly by. Now, I just wish they would slow down.

It’s not all bad. Being an adult, and all of the freedom that comes with it, is even better than you imagined. The ability to make a pizza at 3 a.m. without mom asking what you’re doing. Heading off on road trips with your husband. Setting your own schedule to do what you want, when you want. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

There are some things I wish you would have done differently, though. If only you had known then what you know now. That’s why I’m writing to you!

You don’t know it yet, but after you graduated and moved out of mom and dad’s, you struggled to find my place in the world. You bounced from dead-end job to dead-end job. You felt unsatisfied with life. Then, when you started blogging, you finally felt a sense of satisfaction — accomplishment. It took a long time to get there, though.

Be serious about school. It may not seem like a big deal now, but it will later. Listen to your teachers, strive for good grades, study for the SATs and get into a good college. It will make things easier, I promise. Education is how you challenge your thinking and become a better person.

It was in college that you learned more about meat production. It’s where you decided to give up eating meat. It’s been a great decision, and you feel healthier every day for having done so.

I don’t hold my past decisions against myself — don’t worry, you can keep the bacon for now — but I wish there were some other things I had known. Maybe if you would have changed majors, you would have been a little happier? (We both know you love writing poetry, but were too afraid to do anything about it!)

Now, you have a career you love and write poetry as much as you like – just not professionally. Who knows, maybe you’ll get there!

Though you probably should have done some things differently (i.e. branched out more and joined a few clubs and organizations), you’re right where you need to be now.

Don’t give up, even when you feel like you should. Life gets a whole lot better.

How to write your own letter

If you want to write a letter, you may not know where to start. To get a sense of what you want to get out of the letter, start with a simple goal. Maybe you want use the letter as a topic for a college essay. If this is the case, jot down some key areas you wish to address in your letter to get an idea of what points to talk about.

You may not even know what you want from the letter, and that’s okay, too. Just write!

I wanted to confront my mistakes, so I wrote about what bothered me, what I wish I had done, and where I ended up in life.

Doing this felt sort of like a diary, but because I directed the letter towards a more naïve, younger version of myself, it was easier than I thought.

After writing my letter, I felt a sense of clarity like never before. Almost like my life flashed before my eyes, though less dramatic.

The process meant I had to be honest with myself. What’s the point of writing a letter made for someone else to read? Dig out the heavy stuff.

Who can you get personal with, if not yourself?

If you plan to write your own letter, it’s crucial to detect self-deception — when you lie to yourself.

It can be easy to believe your own lies

We all want to paint ourselves and our past actions in the best light, even when it’s far from the truth. However, real growth comes from brutal honesty. Here’s how writing your letter will open things up for you:

A confrontation

In writing a letter to my younger self, I can confront my decisions and gain peace. It’s over — done with. I can’t change it. All I can do is hope to get closure.

The same goes for my decision to stop eating meat. When I first discovered how manufacturers made meat products, I felt guilty for my participation. I believed, because of my purchase habits, I was responsible for the horrible conditions. I lacked compassion for my own choices, whether right or wrong.

At 15, I know I wasn’t thinking about where my food came from and how it was made. I was thinking about boys and college and getting my driver’s license.

In college, I was afraid to pursue a career that I’d really like because I didn’t know how successful I would be. Even if I worked hard, how good could it really get? I decided to major in English instead, which proved to be just fine, but I beat myself up a lot after college for chickening out.

Feeling bad for myself did nothing constructive.

In the end, I was able to write for a living, which is just what I wanted. Though it’s not poetry, I can still pick up a pad and pen whenever I please. Even though it wasn’t in the cards, maybe it will be someday.

The idea is to confront your emotions in a raw and honest way.

If you have any trouble, start with a sentence a day and work your way up to a letter.

How was your day today? How will you make tomorrow better?

Eventually, the thoughts will just flow, and you’ll have written a page in no time.

A sense of peace

If you’re exceptionally hard on yourself, you’re not alone. I’ve gone through the negative cycle of berating myself for past mistakes, even though the outcome can’t be changed. However, self-criticism can take a toll — on both our minds and bodies.

Our brains are trained to distinguish the good from the bad. When we sway from our goals or expectations, we assign a negative value to the experience.

Writing a letter to my past-self allowed me to access the more compassionate side of my brain — to analyze the situation in a new light.

We’re human, and we all make mistakes, no matter how evolved we are. The trick is to learn from mistakes in order to not make them again. So far, I think I’m doing alright in that department.

You’ve written the letter — now what?

Once I wrote my letter, I signed it, sealed it in an envelope and — stuck it in a drawer. Sorry if that’s anti-climactic, but it’s the truth.

It’s not about who reads the letter or where it ends up. It’s about the writing process. Typically, dwelling on the past is a vicious cycle, but writing is a healing process that has real benefit.

When you talk to someone, as in traditional therapy, you get the opportunity to vent your feelings and frustrations. When you write a letter to your younger self, you try to understand and learn from past decisions and emotions.

Don’t just relive past events

Focus on the emotions you felt and consider how you changed for the better as a result. This exercise can be especially beneficial for those who are introverted, like me, and prefer to keep to themselves.

Writing a letter to your younger self isn’t hard. Just pick up a pen and get going. Consider life events that have shaped who you are and how you think. When finished, seal the letter away to reflect on later. Likewise, you can toss it in the trash and consider it the end to a healing experience.

What will you write next?

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Dear Younger Me Letter: How To Meet A Newer And Younger Self By Peeping Into the Past

If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what would you say? That’s the question behind the “Dear Younger Me” letter . This type of letter is a way to reflect on your life and offer advice, encouragement, or words of wisdom to your younger self.

It can be a fun exercise to look back on your life and see how far you’ve come . And it can also be a powerful tool for helping you to set goals for the future.

If you’re not sure where to begin, try thinking about some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in life. What would you tell your younger self about love, work, family, or friendship?

Take some time to reflect on your own journey and then start writing your letter. You never know – it just might change your life.

Letter To My Younger Self Meaning

If I could write a letter to my younger self, I would want to include a lot of information. I would start by talking about the importance of a good education . I would stress the importance of studying hard and getting good grades.

I would also talk about the value of extracurricular activities and volunteer work . I would advise my younger self to get involved in as many things as possible. I would also talk about the importance of friendships and maintaining healthy relationships.

I would tell my younger self to cherish the friends you have and to always be there for them. Lastly, I would talk about the importance of taking care of yourself . I would advise my younger self to eat healthy, exercise, and get plenty of rest.

By following these pieces of advice, I believe that my younger self would be able to live a happy and successful life.

Dear Younger Me Letter Assignment

Dear younger self,

Life is full of surprises. Just when you think you have it all figured out, something comes along to remind you that you don’t know everything . That’s okay, though. The important thing is to never stop learning. After all, that’s what life is all about.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that it’s okay to make mistakes. We all do it. What matters is how we learn from our mistakes and move on. So don’t be afraid to take risks. Go out there and explore the world. Try new things. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to fail.

I also want you to know that it’s okay to be different. You don’t have to conform to what others think is “normal.” Be yourself and be proud of who you are. Embrace your unique gifts and talents. The world needs more people like you who are willing to stand up for what they believe in and be true to themselves.

Finally, I want you to remember that life is precious. Cherish every moment and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Live with passion and purpose, and never give up on your dreams.

So go out there and live your life to the fullest. You only get one shot at this, so make it count!

Sincerely,

Meaningful & Memorable Life Lessons Learned Along the Way

54 Strong Pieces of Advice For Letter To My Younger Self To Get Wisdom

Writing a letter to your younger self is an inspiring and rewarding exercise. It can be both an emotional and reflective experience as it allows you to revisit the past, reflect on the present, and plan for the future.

It offers you a chance to look back at your life with more clarity, perspective, and understanding. Through writing this letter, you can share wisdom and advice with yourself that can help shape your future decisions for the better.

Here are 54 pieces of advice that you should consider writing in your letter to your younger self.

Life is not a dress rehearsal – make the most of every opportunity.
You can be anything you want to be – so dream big and work hard.
Don’t compare yourself to others – focus on being the best you can be.
Be kind to others – you never know what they might be going through.
Cherish your family and friends – they will be there for you through thick and thin.
Take care of your health – it’s the only body you’ve got!
Learn as much as you can – knowledge is power.
Follow your heart – it knows what’s best for you.
Never give up – even when things are tough, remember that challenges make us stronger.
Embrace change – it’s the only constant in life.
Be yourself – there’s nobody else quite like you, and that’s a good thing!
Accept that there are some things you can’t control – but don’t let that stop you from trying to make a difference in the world.
Don’t sweat the small stuff – life is too short to worry about things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.
Make time for fun and relaxation – work hard, but don’t forget to play hard too!
Appreciate the simple things in life – they are often the most precious things of all.
Give 110% in everything you do – if you put your all into something, success will follow
Be grateful for what you have , even when things are tough – remember, somebody always has it worse than you
Keep an open mind at all times -you never know when new ideas will come in handy
Venture outside your comfort zone every once in a while- it’s good for your soul
Learn as many languages as possible – communication is key
Get lost sometimes – it helps you appreciate finding your way again
Rent before you buy – flexibility is important
Be spontaneous – say yes to new experiences
Talk to strangers – they could end up being friends
Do something crazy at least once- because why not?
Live in a different country for a while – it’ll give you a new perspective on life
Go back to school – learning is a lifelong process
Volunteer – giving back is its own reward
Slow down once in a while – life is not a race, so take time to enjoy the journey
Take lots of pictures- so you can always look back and remember happy moments
Don’t be afraid to take risks. You’ll never achieve anything great if you’re always playing it safe.
Learn as much as you can. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to handle whatever life throws your way.
Be true to yourself . Don’t try to be someone you’re not – it’s not worth it.
Don’t compare yourself to others. You are unique and special, just the way you are.
Cherish your friendships and family relationships . They’re the most important things in life.
Be kind to others , even if they’re not kind to you. It’s always the right thing to do.
Work hard and never give up on your dreams . With dedication and determination, anything is possible.
Be patient. Good things come to those who wait.
Appreciate what you have , even when it doesn’t seem like much. Gratitude is one of the keys to happiness.
Take time for yourself – make sure to nurture your mind, body, and soul regularly
Don’t be afraid to seize the opportunity when it comes your way. You never know where it might lead.
Follow your heart . It will usually lead you in the right direction.
Don’t take things for granted. Appreciate the good times while they last.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone does at some point – it’s how we learn and grow.
Try new things. You’ll never know if you like something unless you give it a go.
Be yourself. There’s no one else quite like you and that’s a good thing!
Be kind to others – you never know what they might be going through in their own lives.
Treasure your friendships and family relationships – they’re more precious than you realize.
Life is precious. Cherish every moment.
Don’t take anything for granted.
Appreciate your loved ones while you still have them.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s not worth it in the end.
Learn to forgive, even when it’s hard to do.
Always be honest with yourself and with others.

Learn Several Languages - Dear Younger Me Letter

8 Tips For Letter To My Younger Self Therapy To Learn and Grow

As you get older, you’ll realize that life is full of ups and downs. There will be times when you feel like you’re on top of the world, and times when you feel like you’re at the bottom.

But the most important thing to remember is that every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Here are 8 pieces of advice that I hope will help you navigate the ups and downs of life :

You are not alone. No matter how alone you feel, there are people who care about you and want to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
Your emotions are valid . It’s OK to feel sad, scared, or angry. It’s also OK to ask for help when you’re struggling to cope with your emotions.
You are capable of great things . Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough or that you can’t do something. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve.
It’s OK to make mistakes. We all make them, and they’re a necessary part of learning and growing as a person. What matters is how you recover from your mistakes and learn from them so that you don’t make them again in the future.
Your opinion matters. Speak up for yourself and don’t be afraid to express your opinions, even if they differ from those of others around you. Your voice is important, and it deserves to be heard.
It’s okay to be different . In fact, it’s amazing. Embrace your unique qualities and use them to your advantage.
Be kind to yourself . Cut yourself some slack every once in a while and don’t take yourself too seriously all the time. Relax and have fun!
Live in the present moment as much as possible. Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future–it’ll only stress you out. Enjoy the here and now.

10 Famous Letter To My Younger Self Quotes

“If I could write a letter to my younger self, I’d tell her to have faith in her own strength and know that no matter how difficult things may seem in the present moment, she will be ok. She should be brave and trust her intuition, even when it seems that no one else has faith in her.” – Taylor Swift
“In a letter to my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of listening to your inner voice and tuning out all the noise around you. It’s hard to do this when you’re young because you want so badly to fit in and please other people, but at some point, you must learn how to take a stand for yourself and your beliefs regardless of what other people think or say.” – Arianna Huffington
“I would tell my younger self to not get too caught up in trying to prove oneself or achieve certain goals in order to please others or meet their expectations. Instead, focus on doing what makes you happy and content with life – whatever that may be! Live life with a purpose by discovering yours and don’t compare yourself with anyone else’s paths & journeys.” – Selena Gomez
“If I could write a letter to my younger self, it would be filled with encouragement and support rather than criticism or regret. I would remind myself that it’s ok not to have all the answers yet – that life is unpredictable and full of surprises – and that making mistakes is part of the process of growing up and learning more about ourselves.” – Oprah Winfrey
“My letter to my younger self would say: “ Be kinder to yourself ! Too often as teenagers, we put so much pressure on ourselves without realizing how damaging this can be both physically & mentally. Remember that whatever happens there is always hope and support available if needed.” – Emma Watson
“If I could write a letter to my younger self, one thing I would tell him is not to waste time worrying about the future or fretting over past decisions—focus instead on being present each day by embracing new experiences and learning from them wholeheartedly.” – Justin Timberlake
“A letter from me as an adult back then would read something like thi s: “Dear Younger Me: You are so much stronger than you know; never forget your potential for greatness! Work hard today so tomorrow won’t seem so far away—you can accomplish anything as long as you believe in yourself!” – Jennifer Lawrence
“My message for my younger self would be don’t let fear stop you from taking risks or trying new things—because if it doesn’t pan out, it’ll only make you stronger for next time! Believe in yourself even during tough times—you can come up with creative solutions if only you stay positive.” – Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
“In a letter addressed to ‘Young Me’, I’d say: remember that life isn’t just about success & achievement—it’s also about having fun along the way! Take time for yourself, seek adventure & explore new places; these small moments are what make life worth living!” – Ellen DeGeneres
“My advice for my young self would include reminding him that failure cannot define who he is if he learns from his mistakes instead of letting them bring him down; it takes courage sometimes but ultimately will lead him closer toward his dreams .” – Will Smith

If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what would you say? That’s the premise of the “dear younger me” letter – a letter written by someone to their younger self, full of advice, wisdom, and encouragement.

It’s a way to reflect on your life so far and to share what you’ve learned with someone who is just starting out on their own journey. These letters can be funny, serious, or anywhere in between. They can be about any topic – from love and friendship to work and school.

No matter what you choose to write about, the “dear younger me” letter is a special way to connect with your past and present self. So go ahead – sit down and write a letter to your younger self today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i write a letter to dear younger me.

Writing a letter to your younger self can be a cathartic way to reflect on the lessons you have learned and how far you have come. To start, gather any photos or mementos that help evoke memories of when you were younger. Then, set aside some time in a quiet place so that you can really focus on writing your letter.

Begin by introducing yourself to your younger self, and letting them know that you are writing from the future. Talk about what has changed since then – mention any accomplishments or lessons that you have learned along the way.

Acknowledge any mistakes you made in the past and reflect on why they happened and how you moved forward. You could also talk about how grateful you are for each experience and how it has helped shape the person that you have become.

Then, tell your younger self what advice you would give them if you could go back in time. Give yourself encouragement and words of wisdom on how to make the best decisions for your future.

Let your younger self know that you understand the struggles and anxieties that come with young adulthood, but offer advice on how to cope in a healthy way.

What would I say to younger me?

I would say to my younger self: You are capable of so much more than you think. Don’t be too hard on yourself and have the courage to try new things, even if you feel scared. Keep being curious and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they will help you grow and learn.

Trust that all your dreams are possible and that you have the power to make them come true. Be kind to yourself and don’t forget to have fun! You are loved and capable of so much more than you know. I believe in you.

How do I get in touch with my younger self?

If you want to get in touch with your younger self, you can start by taking some time for yourself and reflecting on your life. Think about what has changed since then and how you have grown as a person.

You could also write a letter to your younger self expressing all the thoughts that come to mind or create a scrapbook of memories from your childhood.

Additionally, try to connect with people that you were close with when you were younger, as they may be able to offer new perspectives and help bring back old memories.

Lastly, take some time and reconnect with activities or interests that made you happy when you were younger – this could be anything from music to sports, writing, or art.

Taking the time to remember and reflect can help you better understand your past and yourself.

What are the top 5 pieces of advice that you give to your younger self?

1. Believe in yourself and your capabilities – you are capable of accomplishing great things.

2. Take risks and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they will only help you grow and learn.

3. Have the courage to try new things and never stop exploring or being curious.

4. Make time for yourself and prioritize self-care – it’s important for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

5. Be kind to yourself and don’t forget to have fun! Life is an adventure meant to be enjoyed.

What were the biggest mistakes I made in my life?

One of my biggest mistakes was not taking enough risks, especially when it came to pursuing my dreams. I was too scared to take a chance and try something new because I was afraid of failure .

Instead, I stayed in my comfort zone and did what was expected of me instead of chasing my own goals.

What did I learn from adversity?

Adversity has taught me so much throughout my life; one major lesson has been resilience. No matter how difficult or challenging things get, you must always find a way to stay strong and push forward no matter what obstacles come your way.

It is easy to give up when times are tough, but if you keep fighting through the worst moments your reward will be worth it in the end.

How can I make sure that my future is better than my past?

The key to making sure that your future is better than your past lies in self-improvement and personal growth. Constantly strive for more and find ways to continuously develop yourself – whether that’s through learning new skills or setting new goals – so you can become the best version of yourself over time.

References:

Chenai Chair (August 28, 2019). LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF – A BUDDING FEMINIST RESEARCHER. https://genderit.org/feminist-talk/letter-my-younger-self-budding-feminist-researcher

Ally Swanson ( April 1, 2021 ). A Letter to My Younger Self. https://confluence.gallatin.nyu.edu/sections/creative-nonfiction/a-letter-to-my-younger-self

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How to Write a Letter to Your Younger Self (5 Steps)

Have you ever looked back at photos of yourself as a kid or teenager and wanted to have a conversation with that younger you?

I do it all the time! I see my depressed 18-year-old self trying to dress and speak like my popular friend and cringe. I wish I could give that unconfident girl some words of advice.

Writing a letter to your younger self allows you to have that heart-to-heart and pass along some of the life lessons it took you years to learn.

I view it as a super imaginative yet meaningful exercise. By pretending to send advice back through time, you crystallize what really matters in life by sharing it from the wiser place you currently inhabit.

In this post, I’ll go through how to write a letter to your younger self to achieve growth, reflection, and better days to come!

Table of Contents

Why It’s Worthwhile to Write a Letter to Your Younger Self

Writing a letter to your younger self is fulfilling for so many reasons — there’s so much to gain from the process.

Reflect On Your Life Journey

Writing a letter to your younger self allows you to reflect deeply on the timeline of your life so far.

You can contemplate the key choices you made around relationships, careers, or moving to new places, as well as obstacles you overcame, like struggles in school, rocky friendships, or setbacks in jobs.

Hindsight provides a valuable perspective on all of it. Looking back, I realized that everything I thought was the end of the world was just making me stronger and growing me into the person I was meant to be.

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Provide Encouragement and Motivation

Armed with the wisdom you’ve cultivated, you can give your younger self much-needed encouragement, reassurance, and motivation.

Perhaps you struggled with self-confidence, dating, or peer pressure growing up. Communicate the support you wished you had — be the wise, caring voice your younger version needed.

Doing this makes you hyper-aware of the emotions and inner critic you still wrestle with today. Getting to name your insecurities explicitly and then speaking truths backed with years of experience to comfort them can be really powerful.

It helps you identify areas for personal growth while also seeing how far you’ve come.

Share Hard-Won Life Lessons

Writing a letter to your younger self gives you the chance to articulate meaningful life lessons and hard-earned wisdom.

For example, maybe you wish you had known how important it is to take more chances personally and professionally rather than always playing it safe. Or that worrying so much about what other kids in school thought about you was such wasted emotional energy.

I remember just wanting to fit in in high school, but now I know how little those social dynamics matter in the grand scheme of things!

How to Start Writing a Letter to Your Younger Self

First, vividly picture your younger self at a specific age — maybe focus on your teens, 20s, or college years. Visualize what you looked like at that time and try to tap into how you felt emotionally. Basically, get into that headspace again.

Think about some of the key decision points or toughest challenges you faced at that age.

Were you struggling with big choices like which college major to pursue? Dealing with bullying or mean girl drama? Trying to figure out romantic relationships?

Really put yourself back in that timeframe when you felt uncertainty, fear, or confusion the most.

Then ask yourself — knowing what you know now and having the wisdom of your current age, what specific advice do you wish you could share with your younger struggling self? Are there critical truths or pieces of guidance that you know now that would’ve comforted or motivated you back then?

For example, maybe you wish you could tell your college-age self that constantly comparing yourself to others on social media will not serve you and that the path society tells you that you “should” take is not necessarily the right one for you.

Really listen and tap into what your younger self most needed to hear.

The words that you need to share will become clear as you time travel in your imagination through this unique writing exercise.

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Tips to Write a Letter to Your Younger Self

1. focus on 2-3 pieces of advice to share .

When deciding what to write in your letter, focus on identifying the 2-3 most important and helpful pieces of advice you want to share with your younger self.

Be discerning and prioritize the life lessons you believe would have guided your younger version in the most meaningful ways.

For me, one of the things I wrote in my letter to my younger self was regretting not seizing opportunities like studying abroad in college because I let fear hold me back. And I made it clear to my younger self that saying yes to those chances for growth truly outweighs any temporary discomfort.

This is why I’m keenly applying for jobs and internships overseas today — I don’t want to feel that regret again.

Remember: When writing the advice, be honest but also speak to your younger self with great compassion. The goal is to inspire positive growth, not guilt over the past.

2. Own Your Mistakes and Missed Chances

An impactful part of this exercise is taking ownership of poor choices you made in the past or chances you failed to take.

We all have regrets , and that’s very human. By reflecting on them, you gain wisdom to guide your current, older self.

For instance, examine key mistakes like relationships you stayed in too long, toxic friendships, jobs you left hastily, or addictions you battled for years. How might things have played out positively if you walked away sooner?

3. Describe How You Overcame Hardship

There’s massive value in using your letter to share how you eventually overcame an obstacle or hardship from that period in your life that was incredibly difficult to deal with.

For example, maybe you struggled with a health issue, the loss of a loved one, family turmoil, or the failure of a business idea. You can validate the pain your younger self-experienced but also reassure them that though it takes grieving and time, you eventually got through it all by rediscovering your grit and fighting spirit.

Hearing how you found resilience in the end to press forward provides comfort and encouragement.

4. Visualize the Ripple Effects

Envision how getting this letter with future life advice from your wiser self would have created a ripple effect to improve so much of the rest of your life.

For example, if your younger self avoided a bad career choice or relationship breakup, how might the trajectory of the coming years have been brighter? Maybe you would have met your spouse or lifelong friend circles sooner or pursued that passion like the arts or traveling.

Mapping out alternate positive scenarios that never happened yet will inspire you today.

Related Post: I’m Finally Living as Myself: 5 Ways You Can Too

5. Set a Reminder to Re-read Your Letter

After putting so much thought into your letter to your younger self, keep it somewhere safe, like your journal or a storage box. Then, set a yearly reminder on your calendar to pull out and re-read the letter, maybe on your birthday or New Year’s Eve.

Seeing your letter again on an annual basis allows you to reflect on how much more wisdom you’ve gained since originally writing it. It also helps you consider how your perspectives may have grown or changed on the advice you offered yourself.

The reminders of how far you’ve come and how you visualized life unfolding differently can recharge your sense of hope if you ever feel stuck in the present.

Final Thoughts

Writing a letter to your younger self is such a valuable way to reflect on life’s journey so far.

I hope you feel inspired to have an imagined conversation across time to share your wisdom.

Please leave a comment below on any crucial advice you’d give your younger self or takeaways you had from trying this exercise. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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How to define success on your own terms , you may also like, 13 ideas i’m letting go of as i turn 26 , 7 actions to take when you’ve lost your spirit and love for life , design a mindful morning routine that works for you: 9 habits , i’m finally living as myself: 5 ways you can too, how to practice mindfulness without meditation: 5 techniques that work, how cheap dopamine is unraveling your life: what you can do to stop it, forget money and love this should be your biggest goal in life, what to do instead of going on social media (+40 useful things) , 75 deep questions to ask yourself every year.

I started this blog to guide myself through tough times. I hope it will act as a beacon of inspiration for you too. Thanks for being here.

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A Letter to My Younger Self by Ally Swanson

A letter to my younger self.

The first lesson I want to teach you is that it’s okay to be sensitive. I know mom says that it’s your worst trait, but I think it makes you strong.

I’m twenty years old now, but in a lot of ways I still hold on to my ten year old self. I remember fighting so hard to reach that age. I thought if I could just get to ten, everything would change. I thought somehow things would get better. As outrageous as it sounds, it felt like reaching this age meant I was moving toward adulthood. Being ten meant not being a kid anymore, which meant not being able to have a blind innocence to the life around me anymore. When I was ten, my parents sat me down to tell me they were getting divorced. This shouldn’t have been a shock to me, but I can still remember how it felt when my throat closed and air stopped flowing from my body. I didn’t say anything to anyone for days after that. When I was ten, I was living in a shed in the back yard of where my house had burned down two years earlier. It was a step up from the hair salon where I used to sleep, but it was hardly a place you could call home. I can still remember rolling over in my sleep and finding scorpions under my blankets. When I was ten, I went to see a therapist for the first time. It was a requirement for my parents’ divorce. It was also the first time I ever told anyone why I jumped at my mother’s touch and had nightmares about the fierceness in her eyes. Being ten meant being at the crossroads of some of the most impactful life events I have experienced so far. It was my most memorable year and my most haunting nightmare.

It’s been a decade since I’ve lived those moments, but I’ve always kept them close waiting for some sense of closure. I’ve tried pushing it down. I’ve tried therapy. I’ve tried crying. The only thing I have left is writing it out. This is why I dedicate this letter to you, Ally. I hope you can find some comfort in it.

Dear (younger) Ally,

I feel sorry when I remember what it’s like to be only ten years old. I can remember how helpless it felt. I haven’t forgotten how exhausting it was to be the doll your parents would play tug of war with and how many nights you cried to yourself wishing you had a warm house to sleep in. I know how badly you wanted things to change. To be ten meant to be reliant on parents who couldn’t even take care of themselves. It meant getting in the way of my mother’s anger and making up excuses when my friends asked to come over after school. It’s hard to recognize that life isn’t supposed to be like that, especially when you’re so young. I wish I had known that it wasn’t normal. Growing up in that environment made it feel like it was just a part of life. I wish I had known that things would get better. Had I known that I would get out someday, things would have been a lot different for me. I hope this letter can offer you the support I know you don’t have. I want to show you your strength and remind you to hold on because things do change.

The first lesson I want to teach you is that it’s okay to be sensitive. I know mom says that it’s your worst trait, but I think it makes you strong. It can be difficult to be gentle with yourself, especially when no one ever shows you what love is supposed to look like. You’re either too sensitive or too hardened. It can feel like nothing comes easy, but I want to remind you that the world needs you. It takes strength to be soft in a world that seems like it’s out to get you. Things will change. You will change, but never lose your sensitivity. Not everyone in the world can sympathize with others the way you can. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that it’s your softness that makes the world a little better. A little easier.

Hold on to your softness but know when to let it go. It took a lot for me to understand that you can’t save everyone. I remember what it was like to try to be the life jacket that mom would hold to but know your limits. I know it feels like your responsibility. When mom comes home from work and she destroys everything in her path, it is not your fault. When dad pushes you in front of him to save himself, it is not your fault. It’s hard enough being ten, there’s no need for you to rest their weight on your shoulders too.

The second thing I learned is that it’s okay to have fun. I think I’ve always been taught to be independent, and with independence comes maturity. I was never allowed to be a child in all the ways I wanted. I couldn’t ask questions. I couldn’t use my imagination to take me away. I couldn’t even feel loved and nurtured by my own parents. From a very young age I was more mature than most. By the age of five, I could cook myself dinner, clean up the mess, and go to the barn to feed and clean up after the horses. Mom and dad weren’t home very much and honestly it was better that way. At the time I remember feeling proud of myself for being able to be self-sufficient in ways other people my age couldn’t be. Now, it makes me sad that I never really allowed myself to enjoy anything. I was always taking care of something else; I forgot to take care of myself.

Please remember to have fun. Dance in the kitchen while you’re making dinner. Meet your friends outside at odd hours in the night when time seems to cease and new beginnings seem possible. Pretend the floor is lava and jump around on the furniture until your legs are sore and your stomach hurts from laughing. Just please have fun. Even at ten, it’s important to remember to live. Maybe not a lot of ten year olds think about how terrible life can be sometimes, but I know you do, so remind yourself of what it means to be alive. Pretending that you’re an adult is tiring and boring. There’s no need to grow up so fast.

Lesson three might be the most important. Learn to appreciate the time you have right now, as screwed up as it might be. You will only be ten once in your life. In a lot of ways, you deserve better than you got, but hold on to the good things. It’s been ten years since I’ve been in your footsteps, and sometimes I’ll miss how it would feel to wake up at 6:00 a.m. to sit on the hay bales and watch the sunrise with my sisters. I miss spending unlimited amounts of time outdoors and never getting tired. Hold on to those moments. Soak them up. It will make the hard days easier and the good days last longer.

I think I’ve always been looking toward the next thing. I have never taken the time to enjoy the present because I’ve always been looking toward the future, wanting something more. I’m definitely not the only one that does this either. Raised in a capitalist society, we are taught that we are only as good as what we produce. I want something more for you though. I want you to know that your worth is not defined by how much money your parents don’t have or the fact that somedays you simply don’t have it in you to go to school. It’s okay to slow down. One day, you’re going to be older, and you’ll look back on when you were ten and wish that you had taken the time to be that young and invincible. Life never stops moving. As you get older, it even seems to speed up. I hope you take advantage of the time you have now. Breathe in the air a little deeper. Savor warm food a little longer. Write down conversations that make you smile. These are the moments that make everything else worth it. All you have to do is slow down and take them in.

I hope you hold space for yourself and you stop apologizing for things that are not your fault. You deserve so much better than you got, but it’s your responsibility to demand more. If you’ve taken anything away from this letter, I hope you’ve learned that. You are worthy. There will be days when you doubt this, but keep reminding yourself. You are in control and you have the power to be better than your parents. I may still be very young but trust me on this: you will not turn into them. You will demand more. You will move away from the farmlands surrounding Houston and you will start a life for yourself in New York. You will make friends that feel like what you’ve always imagined family to be. Life may not ever get easier, but you will learn how to stand up for yourself. There are great things ahead of you, Ally. I don’t want to spoil the surprise so I’ll let you find out for yourself. Just know that you will be okay. One day you’re going to be really happy. We’re both going to be happy. Just wait and see.

—your biggest fan

Ally Swanson (BA ’22) originally wrote “A Letter to My Younger Self” in George Burns’s Fall 2020 Advanced Writing Course “ Writing About Childhood .”

Thumbnail image: “ Scorpion Ornament ” ( 6th–7th century), Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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A Letter To My Younger Self - National Therapy Center

April 15, 2014 June 3, 2021
The Stuttering Source

A Letter To My Younger Self

If you had a chance to go back in time, would you do things differently? Is there advice you might give your younger self, knowing what you know now? Why not put it in writing? Simon Walsh, a person who stutters and the host of the blog “ Diary of a Stutterer “, did just that. After reading his post, I immediately knew I wanted to use this idea in my own therapy room.

The purpose of this assignment is not to dwell on “mistakes” of the past, but rather to help identify all the positive changes that have been made. This is a fun way to get students talking about the consequences of previous unhelpful thoughts or habits so that if they were to reappear, which habits so often do, the student might be better equipped to identify and extinguish them. For younger students and students that are new to therapy, this assignment can be adapted by having them write a letter to their future self. Instead of focusing on how things have changed and what they have learned, instead this assignment allows students to ask questions they may have about stuttering and identify things that they want to change.

This is one of my favorite therapy activities! With permission from the student, I have posted an example of one of these letters. Do you have any similar activities you have done with your student, your child or something you did for yourself? Post below!

Dear 8 year old ZC,

By now, you’ve probably noticed that you have a stutter… and it’s not going to go away. But don’t fret; you’ll be fine. My first piece of advice is to get therapy help as soon as you can, not only to help your fluency, but to make yourself more comfortable with your stutter. The most important thing is to be yourself! Don’t let your stutter change who you are. Don’t worry too much, I know it doesn’t seem likely, but you’ll get used to it, and even be able to talk to others about it and advocate for yourself (although it seems impossible right now). There’ll be ups and downs with fluency and self-image, but you’ll make it through! If people ask you what’s wrong, don’t get angry. They just don’t understand.

Good Luck, 16 year old ZC

Is this stuttering?

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Alternative or Augmentative Communication 1
Balancing Life and Play 1
Behavior Blueprints 7
Deaf or Hard of Hearing/Children of Deaf Adults 3
Speech Spot 6
Table Blues 8
The Stuttering Source 42
Uncategorized 4
Voice & Feeding 2

Evening and/or Saturday Part Time Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist – Bethesda, MD/Germantown, MD

National Therapy Center is a family-oriented practice specializing in the evaluation and treatment of pediatric speech and language and motor disorders, learning differences, developmental delays, and behavioral challenges. National Therapy Center has been in business for over 25 years, and we have two locations in Maryland and one in the District of Columbia. National Therapy Center is looking for a part time pediatric physical therapist for our Washington, DC (Capitol Hill) location.

The physical therapist will be responsible for:

Job Type: Part-Time

The physical therapist will be responsible for: • conducting evaluations for single discipline PT as well as on a multidisciplinary team • writing plans of care • providing individual physical therapy in different settings (home, daycares, office, etc.) • collaborating with other service providers

Physical therapists with early intervention experience strongly encouraged to apply. National Therapy Center is always looking for physical therapists who are bilingual, too. Applicant must have state licensure or be willing to obtain licensure.

Competitive salary and benefit package including: • 401K retirement plan • health insurance (multiple plans from which to choose) • dental insurance • vision insurance • HSA account • transportation plan • life insurance • tuition reimbursement • High hourly rate or salaried position

Applicants should submit resume and cover letter.

Job Type: Part-time

RBTs enrolled in coursework pursuing BCaBA/BCBA certification are provided opportunities to accrue restricted & unrestricted experience hours through a structured supervision program created by our experienced BCBAs.

National Therapy Center is an affiliate of many local universities and accepts student interns in their last year of graduate programs. We have long-standing relationships with several leading colleges and universities in the DMV area, including: Gallaudet, University of the District of Columbia, Howard University, The George Washington, University of Maryland, and The Chicago School.

National Therapy Center has working relationships with several colleges and universities, including the Chicago School of Professional Psychology-DC campus. National Therapy Center offers a competitive annual professional development opportunity and tuition reimbursement program for eligible members of our ABA team, including RBTs and BCBAs.

Our staff has frequent opportunities to participate as part of a multi-disciplinary team with clients that receive multiple services with us, allowing for easier coordination of care and the opportunity to learn and collaborate with other professionals.

Our ABA program also has an internship program that allows RBTs who are accruing experience hours with us towards their BCBA/BCaBA to participate in a structured supervision program that includes activities outside of their direct service hours. In addition to the structured supervision program, the National Therapy Center also provides specific activities related to current clients’ programs.

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) $19-26 per Hour Paid Training

National therapy center – montgomery county, md.

National Therapy Center is looking for energetic and responsible individuals who will make a difference in the lives of special needs children, young adults, and their families.

Full-time and part time positions for candidates are available in Montgomery County, MD.

Please submit a resume with a cover letter clearly indicating RBT certificate number.

Responsibilities and Duties:

The RBT will be responsible for implementing behavior intervention plans, academic programming, social skills development, collecting data, and more. The RBT will work in the home with the child 1:1 for 1-2 hours at a time and teach skills such as toilet training, feeding, communication, etc. and will help reduce their challenging behaviors in order to help clients and their families reach their full potential. All programs will be designed and maintained by a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). Registered Behavior Technicians will receive ongoing training and supervision throughout the course of employment.

This position will require commuting between client locations.

This is a great opportunity to get into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis with a growing company with advancement opportunities. We will also provide ongoing supervision and hours for those looking to advance in the field and become a BCaBA or BCBA.

Qualifications and Skills:

We prefer candidates have:

CPR/ First Aid certification
Bachelor’s degree
1 year of experience
RBT Certification

We require candidates to:

Have reliable transportation and automobile insurance
Be available to work daytime and evening hours
Pass a criminal background check
Bachelor’s Degree
Paid training
Active and supportive supervising BCBAs
Competitive salary for RBTs
Continuous professional development
Educational Stipends for higher education available (full-time employees)
401K and Health/Dental (for full-time employees)
Signing bonus for those with RBT certification

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $19.00 – $26.00 per hour

COVID-19 considerations: In order to ensure the health and safety of our team members, we supply all necessary PPE and require a health screening of all clients and family members prior to the start of each appointment.

We accept a limited number of Clinical Fellows (CFY) each year. Priority is given to candidates who interned with our program during their graduate training. CFs are provided with excellent supervision and opportunities for advancement.

National Therapy Center has working relationships with several colleges and universities including The Chicago School of Professional Psychology-DC campus. National Therapy Center offers a competitive annual professional development opportunity and tuition reimbursement program for eligible members of our ABA team including RBTs and BCBAs.

The team has frequent opportunities to participate as part of a multi-disciplinary team with some clients receiving multiple services with us, allowing for easier coordination of care and the opportunity to learn and collaborate with other professionals.

Our therapists are encouraged to join a Clinical Practice Area if interested to deepen their knowledge and experience in one or more specialties. Some of our therapists choose this option while others continue to develop a broader set of skills and experiences as a Generalist.

These Clinical Practice Areas are terrific ways for therapists to meet and network with other professionals in their specialty, as well as to earn additional financial assistance for training and CEUs. As part of our commitment to our community, as our therapists advance in their Practice Area, National Therapy Center donates to the community charity of their choice. We also offer several opportunities to continue their professional development through professional training, conferences, in-office trainings and regular staff meetings.

We have relationships with many of the colleges and universities in the area for internships and continuing education.

“La Clínica Bilingüe trabaja para aumentar el acceso al servicio y la calidad de la atención para los niños bilingües y sus familias en la comunidad local. La clínica incorpora equidad e inclusión en las sesiones de terapia y proporciona materiales y recursos educativos a familias y profesionales. Además, la Clínica Bilingüe aboga firmemente por preservar la diversidad lingüística de nuestros clientes y cultivar la conciencia en las comunidades multiculturales sobre los beneficios cognitivos y sociales del bilingüismo.

Nuestro Enfoque

La terapia del habla bilingüe brinda la oportunidad a los niños que hablan dos o más idiomas de concentrarse en mejorar sus retrasos en el habla y el lenguaje, no en los errores comunes que son una parte natural del desarrollo del segundo idioma. Los sonidos del habla y las reglas del lenguaje varían según los idiomas, por lo que la terapeuta identificará los procesos compartidos del habla y del lenguaje en inglés y español, para discernir cuáles son los errores naturales o atípicos del segundo idioma.

Los terapeutas se centran en la prestación de servicios equitativa y están capacitados para reconocer los prejuicios culturales durante las evaluaciones y tener en cuenta qué información podría ser desconocida según sus sus antecedentes. Los terapeutas utilizan prácticas basadas en la evidencia para niños bilingües durante el tratamiento en el idioma que usan con más frecuencia y al que están expuestos. Los padres reciben herramientas y estrategias vitales, en su idioma nativo, y están capacitados para continuar apoyando el desarrollo de la comunicación del habla y el lenguaje de sus hijos.”

Contacta con nosotros

Does any industry face a more complex audience journey and marketing sales process than B2B technology? Consider the number of people who influence a sale, the length of the decision-making cycle, the competing interests of the people who purchase, implement, manage, and use the technology. It’s a lot meaningful content here.

A Purpose In Pain

Finding meaning and beauty in life's obstacles

A Letter To My Younger Self

July 1, 2020

Dear younger me,

There are so many things I want to tell you, it’s hard to know where to start. Life can be so beautiful, and at the same time, so hard. But you are strong enough to get through it all. I’ll begin with this one simple plea:

Don’t grow up too fast.

Slow down and be patient. You have so much life left to live. There is so much that God has planned for you. But right now, enjoy this time in your life. Enjoy having your health and vitality, because you will not have these things forever.

Never waste a second wishing you were older or somewhere else in life. Treasure this time because it goes by too quickly. You will see and experience things that will urge you to grow up too fast; don’t let them. Cherish this time in your life and live every second as fully as you can.

Dear younger me, you are worth so much more than you think you are.

This is something you will struggle with. You will think you’re not good enough but I promise you are. You are so much more than enough. Stop looking to others to find your worth. Learn to love who you are and let that be enough. Know that you are God’s beautiful creation and nothing you achieve in life or fail to achieve will ever change His love for you.

Learn to give yourself grace. I know that you set high expectations for yourself, but please, give yourself a break sometimes. You do not have to be perfect . Perfect is an illusion.

Learn to talk to yourself like you would an old friend. Be kind and gentle with the words you tell yourself. The words you speak to yourself become what you believe. Choose your words carefully.

Dear younger me, try to stop worrying so much.

I promise you the majority of things you’re worried about will never actually happen. Stop wasting your precious time on the what-ifs. If you keep focusing on what could happen in the future or ruminating on things you can’t change from the past, you will miss out on the gift that is here in this moment.

Don’t look back in 20 years and regret that you never learned to appreciate today. There is something to be said for practicing mindfulness. Learn to embrace the present moment.

Dear younger me, hug your grandparents a little tighter.

Soak up every little moment you have with them. Call them, write them letters, let them know how loved and treasured they are. You will not have them forever. Make the most of your time together.

Hug your parents too. Thank them for all the sacrifices they’ve made for you. They love you more than you know and have given you a life that so many others would love to have. Tell them how much you love them as often as you can.

Dear younger me, be grateful for all you have.

Never stop searching for the blessings all around you. If you learn to look, you will find them everywhere. Be grateful for all you’ve been given . Realize the abundance of blessings that surround you.

Be thankful for the people in your life who love and support you. Let them know how much they mean to you. Nurture the relationships in your life. Relationships take work. Strive to always give more than you take from them.

Dear younger me, stop caring so much what everyone thinks about you.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “you wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” There is so much truth in this statement. Remember it. Stop living for the approval of others. You will never be able to please everyone.

There will be people in this life who don’t like you. Learn to accept this and move on. Find the people in this world who do appreciate the fire burning inside your heart. Find them and love them hard.

Learn to forgive quickly, but don’t let anyone walk all over you. Stand up for yourself. Stand up for what you believe in. Believe that there is goodness in this world and make it your life’s mission to seek out and find this goodness.

Dear younger me, stop letting your fear hold you back.

You have wrestled with fear your entire life. Don’t let it win. Choose faith instead of fear. Know that wherever you go, God will go with you. You are never alone.

Don’t let your fear hold you back from living your life and stepping out boldly into the world. You have so many gifts to give; do not let fear prevent you from sharing these gifts with the world.

Dear younger me, don’t let pain harden your heart.

Instead, use your pain for good. Know that it serves a great purpose. Learn from the difficult times in your life . Never stop learning. Let your pain give you a wisdom that you would not otherwise have.

When you go through difficult times, don’t hide your pain and become closed off to others. Learn to share your truth and use your story to help others to feel less alone in theirs. If you do this, you will never waste your pain.

Dear younger me, you can do hard things.

There will be times in life that are hard. But you are so much stronger than you know. You are more resilient and wiser than you know. Don’t ever forget this. There will be times when life will try to wear you down. Don’t let it. There will be times when life will be messy and unpredictable and you will question it all.

But know that God has great plans for you. You will do amazing things in this life. Believe in yourself. This life is so beautiful. Never stop searching for the beauty in this world. And never stop believing that you can change this world. You can make a difference in the lives of others. Trust in yourself, trust in God, and know that you can make it through anything.

Your future self

P.S. When you meet that dark-haired guy that winks at you from across the party, don’t let him go. He will love you fiercely, in sickness and in health. He will love you through the good times and the bad and will make you see all the beauty that you possess. He is a good, good man. The kind of man your father knows that you deserve, the kind he would choose for you if he could. Choose him and don’t ever let him go. He will be one of the greatest gifts that you will ever receive.

A Journey to Self-love
Letting Go of Perfectionism

A letter to my younger self

by Rosalyn Palmer

Change and healing only happen when you can come to a sincere and heartfelt appreciation of all of your life experiences, even the unpleasant and painful ones, and see how they have led you to being who you are today. To move beyond this will need work. You have to set those life visions and goals and then work on the inner you.

For starters, write a letter to your younger self. It is really cathartic and can heal an inner part of you that you carry around with you every day. You can share the wisdom you have today and allow your inner self to know that even the struggles were not in vain and that you were never alone.

Choose a younger you at a time that was difficult. Be clear about how old the younger you that you are writing to is. Be real and authentic and drill down to a few really specific lessons or topics that you wish your younger you had known or felt at a heart level at that time. This isn’t a shopping list or a way to put pressure on that former you. Be kind, imagine that younger you as you would a dearly loved younger member of your family. Imagine that you are gently holding your younger self by the shoulder as you speak to them. Use ‘you’ and the present tense.

Here is a letter to my 25-year-old self that is in my book ‘Reset!’ written nearly three years ago.

At age 25, I was working in Dewsbury at a company I didn’t like, living alone during the week in a bedsit in Headingly Leeds, with no phone and ticking off the days until I returned to my shared house in London. Increasingly I found that when I got back to London my friends would have gone away for a fun weekend. The sense of failure and isolation was so great that I felt lonely pretty much all the time. It was a very difficult nine months of my life.

I want you to take five minutes, sit down, breathe deeply and remember that you are a wonderful, heartfelt young woman.

What seems like a fork in the road now will lead to greater opportunities. You have courage in spadefuls and do twice what most people do in half the time but remember you are a human being and be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for your choices or feel life is hard and unfair. Do not allow yourself at this time to feel depressed or that life isn’t worth living. It is. I promise.

You are very sensitive and vulnerable but wear such an effective mask that others often see you as impenetrable and totally in control. They even try to pull you down because of it. Know now that daring to show your vulnerability and to be open to others, to stop judging yourself and others by impossible levels of perfectionism, will be the greatest and kindest gift you can ever give yourself.

Know that you are more than enough and that your intellect and emotional intelligence will take you further than you can ever imagine so you don’t need to worry about striving for success. The less you try, the more successful you will be. When you trust your inner intuition and tap into your inner power you will not just make the right choices but intuitively take the right action at the right time.

Do not let those who are afraid of your light try to dim it. You are a maverick. You see things differently and do things differently and that, coupled with your great sense of compassion, will make the world a better place.

You are curious, so remember that questions are the answer. Do not be afraid to ask questions, seek a better path, do not be a lemming and follow the herd to fit in, even if this makes others uncomfortable. Yours is a path to change the world and this will not always be comfortable to you or others. Treat their fear with grace and understanding.

Smile. People will always love you for it.

Find out what makes you happy and pursue it every day. Feel at ease with this as all that you need is already within you. Enjoy the journey. Even the bumpy roads will give you a new level of wisdom. Know that you do have a spiritual gift and will experience events, insights and visions that others will try to rubbish. Don’t let them. Trust yourself.

Learn to let go.

Know your worth. This is true for finding your future life partner, work, friends and all other connections. For many years you will be the power behind the throne. Notice now that much of the fame and fortune of those around you has been in part created by you. If you want to enjoy that or step into the limelight too then do not feel restricted or not good enough. Do for yourself what you do for others.

Pay close attention to your health and finances. Know that to be wealthy you need a balance of faith, fitness, friends, family, finance and forgiveness and be mindful to keep that balance always. Learn to meditate and be present.

It is not your job to make everyone around you happy, or kind or fulfilled. That is their journey. You are not a cash cow for others. Earning money and providing for your future family is not your sole responsibility. Do not sacrifice your health or happiness for success.

Trust that you know what is right for you. Create great and healthy and nurturing habits.

Understand that you studied for an English Literature degree because you feel things deeply, enjoy time alone and have a connection to all that is real and true in this world. Write your own books and share your wisdom sooner rather than later. It will just flow from you as you tap into something even beyond your present understanding. You are meant to be this messenger and change agent but you are not supposed to compromise your own happiness or health for it.

Only connect. Understand that people who need people really are the happiest people of all. We are all in this together.

There is so much more I could share but you know that you will be more than OK, more than enough. You will shine and grow and love and be loved and your life will enrich others. Feel that and love it.

Oh yes and have intimacy with yourself. It means Into Me See.

I see into you and I’m so excited by it, moved by it, in love with it. Yaba daba doo!

Love always,

This exercise is often seen in magazines and newspaper weekend supplements when a celebrity is asked to complete something such as: ‘If I knew then what I know now, I would have done…..’.

It is rather like those moments in Back to the Future.

For example, the time my office was near the startup company Innocent Smoothies. They would put jugs of their tester smoothies in the basement restaurant in my office building in the mid-90s and I loved them immediately, but I didn’t respond to their request for seed capital investment. Or when I was persuaded to sell our eight-bedroom house in central London in 2001 due to an impending property ‘downturn’. Where is the DeLorean? Driver please!”

Excerpt From: Rosalyn Palmer. “Reset! A Blueprint for a Better Life”. Click here to purchase.

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An open letter to my younger self: you'll make it through.

It’s not too late to be the person you needed when you were younger.

It’s never a wrong time to give yourself what you need.

If what you need is forgiveness for past wrongs or acceptance of who you are today or appreciation for how far you’ve come , this open letter is yours to read.

These are the things I wish my younger self knew, things you might be able to relate to.

It’s not too late to be the person you needed when you were younger. It’s never a wrong time to give yourself what you need. If what you need is forgiveness for past wrongs or acceptance of who you are today or appreciation for how far you’ve come, this open letter is yours to read.

“If you must look back, do so forgivingly.” — Maya Angelou

A Letter to My Younger Self

First things first, you’re going to make it through — through this, through everything.

No matter how terrible things seem, it’s not the end of everything.

If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.

Now... right here, right now... this is yours. This is your life. The way things are right now? They won’t always be this way. Things are going to change, you are going to change. But whatever your life is in the moment, it’s yours to claim. So claim it.

Own your life. Make decisions you can feel good about. Claim every single breath you take. Embrace the moment and make it yours . Nobody else is going to do it for you. Nobody else can think for you, can love for you, can live in your place.

You must do your own believing, your own forgiving, your own living.

And this is how you live with little regret: you embrace everything you experience, even the things that don’t feel good. Because when you do that, you do what you came into this world to do: you come alive.

Every up and down, every tear and thrill. This life is yours and you have no reason to apologize for who you are.

There's a place and a purpose for everything under the sun, including you .

You don’t have to apologize for figuring yourself out. You don’t have to be like everyone else. You have your own place in the world, your own worth.

In all the millions of ways you can be told you're not enough, don't believe even one of them.

Exactly who you are is exactly who you're meant to be. Accept yourself now, and you’ll be amazed at the person you become.

Accept yourself here. Accept your life now. This is the secret to change and success and happiness — it’s hidden right out in the open, right in the present moment, right in your heart.

Sure, you’re going to stumble. And you’re going to learn. And you’ll grow and you’ll trip over your own feet long after you thought you had it all figured out. That’s okay. You’re in good company.

Some walks you’ll still have to take alone, but that doesn't stop you from being a child of this earth, with the soul of the whole universe in your lungs .

To be alive is a precious thing — don’t forget that and don’t minimize your own existence. Don’t doubt how important you are. You can’t even imagine how important you are.

But don’t take yourself too seriously, either, because nobody has it all figured out. (Even the ones who think they do.) Everybody has scars, is afraid of something, and wants more than anything to belong .

In fact, the more you learn the more you'll realize how little you know. That's the difference between knowledge and wisdom. If knowledge is power, then wisdom is strength.

One day you'll realize how much strength it takes to lean on others , how being vulnerable means being real, how forgiveness heals .

Pay attention to what heals you, and stay close to it.

When you're afraid to love again, go ahead and love one more time.

When you're afraid to ask for help, go ahead and ask anyway.

When life throws you down, consider it a privilege to stand back up again. Show the world how you turn pain into love , an ending into a beginning, darkness into light. Be your own rescuer .

Lastly, for now, know this: that it’s never too late to be who you might have been.

What's one thing you'd tell your younger self, if you could?

Tell me in the comments. I read every single one, and I'd love to know!

P.S. Want these kinds of posts in your inbox? Sign up for Tuesday emails and you'll also get my Healing Brave Manifesto, totally free.

Comments on this post (16)

Thank you, Nikki! I have reached out to the owner of that blog requesting a credit. :)

— Jennifer Healey

FYI you’ve been plagiarized at https://www.positivemindset.blog/mental-health/reminders-for-my-younger-self/ unless this is you in a different name.

if i could go back in time to have an interaction with my younger self i would slap myself in the face.

Lee, I am glad this is something you can begin your journey with. The self-understanding and compassion that comes forth is powerful. Many blessings on your way. x

Thank you for the inspiration. It was suggested that I write a letter to the young Lee to be able to get through a weight loss blocker but I didn’t know how or where to start.

This will help me get that pen to paper and begin this journey to self healing. Your words have resonated with me and I now feel confident that I can do this.

Thanks again Cheers, Lee

— Lee Carter

Don’t go to nether with diamonds !!!!!

— Kavya Patel

If I could, just speak once to my younger self, I would say: As you grow up things will happen in life which will seemingly knock you backwards. You are not damaged, nor broken because of this. You are coping the best you can, as someone who is lacking the tools and support to deal with adversity in life. Nothing about you is a mistake. Sadness will embed itself in the lines of your face and in your movement. But do not let it weigh you down. Make sure to speak to someone, and share its’ load. And at the end of the day, when you feel weak and tired; Please remember that you are not alone

Dear younger self, Forgive, forget and move on. When life puts you in a box with only one way out, jump down. It is not the faith in the fall but the faith in the landing. Because the landing will help you fly tomorrow.

Dear Jennifer Thanks a lot for these wonderful and inspirational words, they touch my heart also my mindset… You don’t know how your typing affected me. I really appreciate what you do for inspiring people in general . Be fine and enjoy in your life . With big love and peace/ Rana

12-8-20 Tuesday

I’d LET MY inner child to be thankful FOR being alive & THAT SHE’S loved JUST THE WAY SHE IS. & THAT I’m HER NEW mom & 💘 Love HER FOREVER & ever!!!

— Jane Ellen Barron

Sherrie, your words are beautiful and they’re a light for myself (and anyone else who reads them) as we keep moving forward. It’s not easy to forgive – perhaps why it’s so moving, and so important. Thank you for sharing how this practice helped you. I plan on doing this more often from now on because it was so powerful for me, too. Take care. x

— Jennifer Williamson

I wrote a letter to my younger self a couple of days ago. It was the most emotional experience I have ever had. I needed to forgive myself for the missed milestones of life (childless for one) and the emotional and physical damage I inflicted on myself over the years. When I narrowed down the point at which I made the worst decision in my life, that’s the me that I needed to apologize to and forgive. Ultimately, 47 years of damage that needed to be addressed. It is my sincerest wish that I can finally rest my guilt and pain, and substitute it with forgiveness. Its hard to be kind to others when you have yet to forgive yourself. I have now. I regret that it took me so long, but I forgive myself for that too. I highly recommend a letter to one’s self.

I am grateful for your friendship and support and the light you shine on everyone around you, Jim. Thank you.

Don’t ever feel afraid as we are always here to catch you from falling and anyway my darling what if you fly. My precious butterfly we love you. Smile look after your own beating heart always. Goodnight God bless

Jen, Your letter is beautiful…”We rebuild together.” Thank you so much. Bless you. Let the sunflowers grace you with their beauty as you grace them with yours.

Jen, Wow. I’ve said this before. Amazing! You are amazing. You are a beautiful person in so many ways. A writer, an artist, a cherished friend. Your future is still to come. Enjoy it. Live it. Love it. The best you can.

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A Letter to My Younger Self

I’ve had a few things on my mind of late, and I’ve spent a lot of time journaling and working my way through some blocks. All this has put me in a fairly reflective mode, and I’ve been reliving the last few years in my head. I don’t mean that in a negative way though. If anything, I can feel my heart and mind expanding in ways I’ve not allowed myself for quite some time .

Going over my life almost like a movie reel in the last few days has made my heart ache for my younger self, the 18-year-old version of me. God! I was so naive then, and my world view was so limited. I had no clue then of all the ways in which my life would expand, the experiences I would have, and the lessons I would learn along the way.

So as a result of all this recent contemplation about my life’s journey to where I am today, I ended up writing this post as a letter to my younger self . It’s mostly just cathartic writing in a way, but a part of me also hopes that if you’re going through a tough phase, the words in this letter might uplift you and make you believe in your own strength.

Dear younger me ,

I know you’re dying to become a “real” adult. You know, with a job, and a salary on which you can live comfortably, and with no one to tell you what to do.

Well, that last part is a myth. No matter how “adult” you become, there will always be someone to tell you what to do. You will learn with time to ignore some of those voices, but adulthood is not the utopia you imagine it to be.

Make no mistake though – growing up, growing old, is a real privilege . The adulting (no, it’s not a word that you know of yet) might get to you every once in a while, but being able to do adulthood is something you should be grateful for every single day.

In fact, your adult life will be sweeter and harder than what you can imagine right now, but know this, you’re in for a beautiful journey.

Anyway, you won’t learn to be structured till many, many years later, so here’s an unstructured list of things that I wish you knew at the beautiful, impressionable, golden age of 18:

No seriously! Save more. You will not realise how important this is until so much later.

YOU ARE WORTH SO MUCH MORE THAN WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE.

It will take you over a decade, and then some, to believe that. You will spend many years believing you are not good enough. You won’t even realise how much you’re tying your own worth to outside validation. Have more faith in yourself. Love yourself , all parts of you, all shapes of you. You are worth everything and more.

THERE IS MORE TO YOU THAN YOUR BODY SIZE OR WEIGHT.

Somehow in your head you’ve come to believe that you’re fat. No one’s ever said that to you but that’s how you’ve started to see yourself. Over time this will create a long-lasting block in your head. When you look back at your photos from this time, you will whack your head at how you thought THIS was fat.

You will become unbearably sensitive about your weight, to the detriment of your mental and physical health, and you will have body image issues. You will have to work very hard to unravel that block but you can do it. I wish you learned to cherish your body much sooner.

YOU WILL IGNORe YOUR INTUITION MORE OFTEN THAN YOU WILL LISTEN TO IT.

It will take you a long time to learn to trust your inner voice, but when you will finally lean into it, big, beautiful things will happen. It will seem scary in the beginning, and you will have to shake things up dramatically, but listening to your intuition will fuel a fire within you that you didn’t even realise you had all along.

I WISH YOU WOULDN’T SETTLE FOR PLAYING SMALL.

Somewhere along the way, you will start to play small. It breaks my heart that you will have to go through that phase. You will unknowingly give up your power, and it will take you a long time to even realise that, leave alone taking that back.

The journey back to your inner strength will take a while, and you will fight it in fact, because sadly, even you will not understand the depth of your own self. But once you own it, you will blossom like the gorgeous flower that you always were.

FEMALE FRIENDSHIPS FTW!

You will lose touch with some of your closest friends only to find those ties back again in a few years, and you will know then that having girlfriends that you can lean on is a blessing, and one that you must hold onto with all your might.

TRAVEL WILL BECOME A SOUL LIFTER FOR YOU.

You will find a deep sense of joy in travel. You will leave pieces of your heart in so many places.

Right now, you can’t even fathom that you will one day fly to far away lands – you’ve never even been on a flight yet! Or that you will eat foods you’ve never even dreamed of in your life and see views where you will have to pinch yourself to believe that it’s all real, and that it’s all right in front of you. But sweet girl, you will, and you will want more of it, because you will learn that travel is one of those things that truly makes your soul feel alive.

IT WILL TAKE YOU A WHILE, BUT YOU WILL LEARN TO LIVE THROUGH TOUGH TIMES WITH GRACE.

Admittedly, you will not always act or behave gracefully. In fact, there will be a phase when you will become a version of yourself that you won’t even recognise. But little by little, as you start your inner work, you will find your true self resurfacing, and along with it, your grace, empathy and confidence as well.

YOU WILL BE LOVED IN WAYS YOU CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE TODAY.

I know you’re worried about whether you’ll find true love, whether there is someone out there for you. You’re afraid of being alone even though you never really were.

Despite your worries, you will experience love. Deep, profound love that will shake you to the core. You will find joy, so much joy, that you will be afraid to believe that it can last.

So many new people will come into your lives who will love you for who you are. Your inner circle will never be too large, but the ones who make their way through it, will be solid gold. Because YOU are solid gold, darling girl.

HONOUR YOUR WORD.

Live up to your own word. Do what you say you will. Don’t say yes to things you know you won’t end up following through.

There will be a phase when you will struggle to keep your own promises to yourself – try not to beat yourself up over it. But know that the sooner you break that cycle, the happier you will feel with yourself.

AND WHILE WE’RE ON THE TOPIC OF WORDS – YOUR WORDS HAVE POWER.

Be wise in the words you use for yourself and also what you use with others. Your words have so much power – they can heal, they can uplift, but they can cut you (and others) down. Use this power wisely.

I could go on for hours, but I’ll probably end up boring you to death. So just one last bit before I sign off – laugh more, and live whole-heartedly ! You, and your life, is a gift.

Love always, Your much older self

What would you include in your letter to your younger self? What advice would you give the 18-year-old version of yourself?

Image via The Creative Library

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19 Comments

Yes to this! If there’s one thing I always wish I could go back and tell my 18 year old self, it’s that it’s so important to love yourself. Stop seeking validation from other people or numbers on a screen. I was definitely naive too, I probably still am in some respects, haha! But it was really lovely reading this post, I love how you gave yourself something to look forward too. This is such a positive post :)

Anika | chaptersofmay.com

Thank you for your really thoughtful comment, Anika! :)

I have many years on my 18-year-old self and I am still learning to love all parts of me. It’s a process for sure.

Oh I love this! It is such a powerful letter.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a ‘do over’ but with the knowledge and experience we have developed over the years!

I wish I had been able to tell 18 year old me that a pension is key, saving is MEGA important and invest that money in property. On the flip though, I wish I had the self love now that I did then. Hey I had to do something backwards right?

Brilliant post x

Thank you, Claire! And absolutely yes to a do-over. :)

And totally agree with you on the saving. Despite my parents drilling it into me, somehow I didn’t learn the lesson till really late! ?‍♀️

Such powerful messages! I would tell my younger self to stop worrying things will just fall into place.

Zoey | http://www.zoeyolivia.com

Oh yes, that too. Though personally for me, I think I’ve become a big worrier as I’ve grown older. My world view, my expectations from life – they were on such a smaller scale that I didn’t know enough to be worried about. :)

Ah, this is lovely. If I could go back in time I’d tell my younger self not to settle for less and that I was worth much more than I believed I was at the time too. And yet… those experiences are what make us, so perhaps looking back, it all turned out as it was meant to be, Lisa

Absolutely. We are who we are because of how our past has shaped up – in all good ways and bad. So there is obviously a lesson in growing up. :)

This is wonderful! I would definitely tell myself to save more, not care what others think and not to worry about body size. Great post, I really enjoyed reading it!

Completely agree with you on these points. Especially not caring what others think.

I loved this post! I think the message you send here is quite powerful and meaningful. If there’s two things I would have told myself, I would have definitely said the importance of self-worth and to learn as you go as well! Great post :)

Growing up, I used to equate learning with school education. It’s only in the last few years that I’ve realised there is more to learning than what textbooks can ever teach us. And the lesson in self-worth is one that I have only really learned lately!

Some really important points here that I think every young person should know, I related to this so much looking back on previous years x

Thank you so much. Glad this resonated with you. :)

It is always great to write a letter to your younger self and reflect on how things were back then. All of us wanted to grow up so fast that we didn’t realize the reality behind it, like costs and taxes haha. I love all of these different things that you highlight. Definitely important to save money sooner. The same goes with how your whole worth is more than just what you look like. Genuine female friendships are great! So important to honor your word. I am all about being accountable. Thanks for sharing your letter!

Nancy ✨ exquisitely.me

Hahahaha! Let’s not even get started with the taxes bit. Nothing could have prepared me for the shock that I get every year when I realise how much tax I’ve paid! ?‍♀️

Glad you stopped by, and thank you for your sweet comment. :)

What a beautifully written letter to yourself lovely! There are so many things I would love to tell my younger self , I wish I could tell mine that things will be come good in the end! x

Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk

Thank you so much, Lucy. Yes, things have a way of working out, don’t they, even if we can’t see the what and the how at that moment. ?

Pingback: A Letter to My Younger Self - Trust Yourself, Remember Who You Are - Rose Colored Glasses

Letter to my younger self

Hey little me,

I wish you had written down a couple of questions for me to answer today. It is hard to think what you would have wanted me to talk about specifically, since I am you and not, at the same time. My last resource is guessing. I am not sure if you ever desired advice from an older self in order to take decisions. So even though you did not wish for them, here is a couple of bits of advice:

To the one I was 15 years ago, math is hard but learning is great. Do not feel like you need to follow what everybody else does in order to feel part of the bunch. Keep being loud and kind; you are whole independently. Continue playing with dolls despite others quitting it due to the idea of ‘being lame’. You are onto a great start.

To the one I was 10 years ago, do not worry about boys and keep focusing on building genuine relationships with friends. It is ok you became reserved; sometimes it is better to sit back and listen. Books are awesome; you will read an entire book per week, more than you will ever do. Forget about the bullies; you will prove them wrong one day, so do not even doubt yourself for a second. You have a bright path ahead.

To the one I was 5 years ago, failing math is not the end of the world. Friends and family will be there to help you get up. Taking baby steps towards independence will be exciting, but take mental notes. Please take a moment and try to take it all in. You are on the right track regarding what you want to do in the future.

To the one I was yesterday, keep listening to yourself. Check those mental notes once in a while. You feel like you aged more in the last 3 months than in the last 3 years. Remember to not compare yourself to others. Nurture those old good habits that you left alone a while ago. You have your priorities straight. The road is still long, but the ride is worth it.

Today you are looking quite different, both inside and out. You probably did not expect to turn out this way; you would be surprised but proud at the same time. I know I owe you many wishes and promises you made to yourself along the way. I know I still have to take you places you have not been before. Thus, I promise I will continue moving forward but without forgetting about you. Cheers to you: past, present, and future.

Sincerely,

Yours truly.

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Write a Letter to Your Younger Self

Send us your letter to your younger self.

Writing a letter to your younger self can be a cathartic and extremely thought provoking experience. Do you have wisdom now that you wish you had back then?

Have a go at reflecting and putting your thoughts to paper in this creative exercise for u3a members.

Write a letter to send back through time, to a past version of yourself - what do you want to say to this person? What experiences and hindsight will you share? What advice do you give them?

A selection of members' letters, or extracts from them, will be shared on our website for members across the movement to read. Your letter can be anonymous or credited, whatever you prefer.

Richard Peoples, u3a Subject Adviser for Book Groups , has suggested:

'In writing to your younger self you may want to reflect on one or more of the important things in life, such as love life and family, education and career, or you may want to give your younger self advice around something specific – like being more confident and worrying less about the small things.'

Your letter can be as short as you like and up to 1500 words. We advise you to focus on one or two areas that you think your younger self would benefit from, rather than a full biography.

Trust volunteers will be involved in organising and handling submissions, of which some will be displayed on the u3a website.

When you are ready, you will need to fill in an online form to share your story.

Members have submitted letters to their younger selves, up to 1500 words. Have a read and submit your own letter to be added to the collection.

Dear Rose...

"Be brave – speak out, have an opinion, make suggestions – you will be amazed how well that will be received."

Dear Bill...

"What about the ‘golden fish’ you found in shale on the pit bank? How did it get in there? Pity it went rusty soon after."

Dear my younger self...

I hesitated before starting this letter – the last thing I want to do is come over all preachy. (I know you won’t like that.)

Dear Karen...

"I am writing to you or is it me, just to let you know that life is wonderful and yet tragic on occasions but YOU/ME are stronger than we think we are..."

'Well, in this case, I really do hope so, because changes in the way you think and act now, will hopefully lead to significant reductions in the levels of anxiety and depression we’ll otherwise experience as we live through our middle years.'

"I do understand why in later life you continued this caring and rescuing of those around you. But remember you have needs - you have the right to your freedom..."

"The view from the bedroom window at Greengarth gives a glimpse of the Solway and the Irish Sea. Some days we could just make out a smudge on the horizon that is the Isle of Man, so faint it may be imagination."

"Don't be afraid to try new things, but always remember you are in charge of yourself and you don't have to follow anyone else."

Dear Heather...

"That’s how you lived your life from then on and I admire you for it. It didn’t make you popular, but self respect trumps popularity every time."

"So, write as much as you can, read books you enjoy (more rewarding than those scheme reading novels forced on us all at school), get a good grasp of a wide range of historical eras and civilisations, keep on listening to rock music, and go to as many concerts as you can."

"In the end I think that the adversity in your early life makes you a stronger person – though at the moment you feel very weak."

" Fail, but keep on trying and fail better. Most of all… be kind and listen to people. What goes around comes around. Enjoy the ride..."

Dear Jennifer...

"Being creative in my retirement has kept me sane and given my mind an avenue to temporarily escape the unexpected stresses in life, which are still here, of course."

Dear Roger...

"Push at every open door. Don't go through doors that slam behind you."

a black and white photo of 4 women in a line

Dear Kooi Chock...

"To prepare myself to be a public speaker for my job I made myself sing in the evenings in karaoke in front of large audiences. It conquered my fear of presenting my projects at work. Of course, knowledge helped and that gave me the confidence, too."

"Don’t be ashamed of your worn shoes and tight clothes. One day you will be able to buy your own things and these uncomfortable times will be forgotten. Be proud. Be patient. Be yourself."

illustration of older woman in glasses next to young boy with brown hair

" Grand children are the most precious beings in grandparents' lives."

Dear Adele...

"There will be times in the future when you become invisible and undervalued – but stick to your underlying principles and you will get through them..."

young girl with brown hair smiling at teh camera, photo is black and white

Dear Pauline...

" So I would urge you, my younger self, not to take the support of good friends for granted. To be non-judgemental, and accepting of those whose opinions or views you do not share ..."

Dear Lisa...

"For me, in retirement is the time to fill in the gaps of art, music and subjects that interest me."

Dear Simon...

"There’s an acronym used in the early years of the new millennium – yes, you will live that long: FOMO. You are driven by fear of missing out."

Dear Moz...

"Having a disability has always made us aware of our limitations and apprehensive about how we will cope with the years ahead. Be reassured that you have coped way beyond our expectations with mobility issues..."

Dear Carol...

"Expressionism"

Dear Den...

"Let me tell you, that you will become a Quaker and champion peace and read her story from a lectern."

Dear Marion...

"There is always something new to appreciate, and something new to learn..."

Grades 6-12
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A writing assignment they’ll remember.

Create a custom “Letters to the Future” experience for your students! Teachers can sign up today for free with code WEARETEACHERS.

Community building is essential to any classroom’s success. And, if you’re going to accomplish anything in an upper grade classroom, you really have to work on student engagement, especially now. This means that teachers have to dig into two toolboxes at all times: the “build community while being self-reflective” activities and the one labeled “OMG can y’all believe how exciting this activity is?!”

Over the years, I’ve assigned writing assignments to help build community. They’ve changed to avoid duplication of other classes and prompts, and this year, I decided to have students write a letter to their future self. That’s when I found FutureMe in the classroom , which fit in both of those toolboxes above!

The idea is simple: you create a single page for students to type a letter to their future self, which the site then delivers electronically on the future date that you or the students set. Students only have to work in one text field, enter their email address, choose a delivery date, and send. It’s that easy.

Save time on your lesson planning

My reality as an educator, like many of yours, is difficult to describe right now. My planning time is booked from now till February, by which time I should be caught up on September’s grading! That was a solid plus for FutureMe. Once I started thinking about my prompt and how I wanted the students to interact with the site, it only took about 15 minutes to get everything ready.

Customize as little or as much as you’d like

Screenshot of the setup page for FutureMe for a letter to future self

The live preview captures what you see as you edit.

The site is intuitive. As you customize the page that students will see, your updates appear live in a frame on the same tab. This is especially helpful if you want to modify the colors, which I did to match our school’s colors. It’s also easy to adjust the colors of the text and the “send” button. When you’re done, or if you just want to see the student page, just hit the Preview link.

I set our work to private—only the students will see their emails (a few students sent them to their parents’ email addresses, too). This is a personal choice and it works for our classroom community, but you can adjust those settings with a click. You’re also able to choose between having the students choose their own date or setting it for them. For this assignment, I let the kids choose their date. I plan on going back to the site in a few weeks for a more formal assignment. For that, I’ll set the date for them. You can also choose to make letters available publicly by selecting which ones might be appropriate and interesting to share.

Discover effortless student engagement

Picture of classroom's screen display for the letter to future self prompt

I made a QR code for the link for the students to scan using their devices, and the site loaded right up. Once the students were on the site, they knew exactly what to do. They played around with changing the delivery date and talked with each other about the choice they made. Questions included, “can I curse?” “can I send this to my mom, too?” and “can we do this next week, too?”

An important aspect of any Letter to My Future Self assignment is this magical idea that we have acted outside of time—that a future version of ourselves can interact with a past version of ourselves, connecting old to young, present to past, and spurring nostalgic feelings. When the kids finished, they pressed “Send to the Future,” and it was gone, like magic.

Think beyond the classroom prompt

Student working on a draft of her letter to future self

It’s great to have paper handy for those first drafts

Another plus for FutureMe, for sure—there was no teacher stuffing a letter into a yellow envelope with a promise to send on to a high school teacher or sealed and stamped envelopes stashed in a drawer to wait for a future postal worker. FutureMe maximizes student agency for a common activity, turning it from an old, wooden desk and paper envelope kind of thing into the familiar space of tech and social media actions. If you choose to make some of the letters public, you can expand the reach of the assignment even further.

Consider a variety of prompts to get students started. In each one, encourage students to think of themselves not just as students, but as human beings: sisters, brothers, friends, sons or daughters, creatives, athletes, leaders, etc.

What is one thing you’d like to accomplish this year?
Describe how you feel right now and what you enjoy doing.
Where do you see yourself as a student in X length of time?
What are you most proud of in your life so far? What do you want to be proud of in one year?
Describe something you are struggling with right now, and describe what it might look like to have overcome it.
Write a letter to give your future self some encouragement and love!
How have you changed over the past few years, and how do you hope to change over the next few?

In future assignments, I will change the setting so I can read and grade or give feedback on them. The flexibility is important to me, and FutureMe provides exactly the kinds of focused choices that have a meaningful impact on the student’s experience. My students are looking forward to the next assignment, and so am I!

Getting started is easy, and it’s FREE with code “WEARETEACHERS.” Use your K-12 school email to enroll for one year for up to 200 students.

Learn more about FutureMe

Why I Have Students Write Letters to Their Future Selves

The Big List of Free Teaching Resources for All Ages and Subjects in 2023

Loads of fun and interesting lessons, videos, activities and more. Continue Reading

Letter to My Younger Self

Dear 16-year-old Swin,

Whew, O.K. … you gotta take a breath, kid. Get it together.

I know Mom just handed you a perfectly rectangular 14-by-8-by-5-inch box covered in brightly colored wrapping paper. And I know you know what that box could have inside. That it might possibly contain some, oh I don’t know … new sneakers! More specifically: Air Jordan 10s. The white ones with the black soles.

The ones you’ve been dreaming about.

Maybe the typical 16-year-old girl celebrating her birthday would be hoping for a diamond necklace or one of those ThinkPads with the built-in CD drive or even their own Audi AWD sedan. But you? You’re definitely not typical. Never have been. You’ve got your heart set on those Jordans — you’d trade a diamond necklace for those things any day. Getting your very own pair would be like bridging the gap between you and MJ as basketball players. It’d mean having the chance to rock what the best player in the game is rocking. And now, you’re maybe just seconds away from all of that.

So I get it. I understand why you’re so amped up.

But before things get too, too hectic, listen to me for just a second. Take a moment to think about where that box came from. How it came to be. Think about the woman responsible for that box, and what’s inside. Think about … Mom.

No matter what this gift ends up being, just know that Mom worked her butt off for it. You know all those hours you spend hooping? Well, quadruple that. And then add a dozen more hours. And you’ll still be shy of how long it took Mom to save up for this gift. That’s what Mom’s doing for you. So when you rip open that wrapping paper, do me a favor and take a few seconds to appreciate not just this present, but all that this woman has done for you over the years.

Then, slip on those Jordans and … begin to dream. Lace them up and dream as big as you possibly can, Swin. Because I’m here to tell you that things are about to get real good, real fast.

You’re not going to believe what’s in store for you.

In the years to come, you’re going to discover opportunities that are far beyond anything you can imagine right now. Before too long, you’ll be an All-America, an NCAA champion and an Olympic gold medalist, and then … get ready for this one … a WNBA champion.

I know that last part probably sounds weird to you, or impossible. But yes, you heard that right — a WNBA champion. Like with a W at the front, as in Women’s .

I’ll get into that later, though. Right now, I just want you to take a look at the way things are here at home, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Let’s start there.

You know how you and your cousins cut out the bottom of that milk crate and nailed it to a telephone pole out in front of the house so you could hoop? That’s actually what I need you to focus on for starters.

Playing basketball with a broken milk crate attached to a telephone pole definitely isn’t glamorous. For some people, it’s not the kind of thing they’d brag about to their friends. But, truth be told, that’s the beauty of the game, Swin. A dreamer can play anywhere. It’s something to be proud of, Swin. It really is. It says a lot about who you are. There’s something undeniably resourceful about doing that, something to be said for finding a way to work with what you have.

Then building out from there. Little by little.

And with you, it’s not just working with what you have, but also with who you have. When it comes to having someone in your corner, you’ll never have to think twice about who it’ll be. From Day One, Mom will be your go-to person. You being born when she was young means the two of you will pretty much grow up together. Before long, coaches and teachers will be doing double takes, mistaking you for Mom.

Other times it’ll be like, “Oh wow, I remember when your mom was in my class. She sat right over there!” Or, “Are you Cynthia’s kid? You rebound just like her.”

Growing up in the same town, going to the same schools, playing the same sport — there is going to be a lot that the two of you share in the coming years. Not too long from now, coaches and parents of teammates will start pulling Mom aside after games, or in the supermarket — basically, wherever they can grab her attention for a few seconds.

“Is Swin looking at getting a scholarship to play in college?”

“Has Swin started thinking about recruiting yet? That girl can go D-I!”

And sure enough, right around sophomore year, you and Mom will sit down to talk about all that stuff. It won’t take long for baseball and theater and cheerleading and about a dozen other hobbies to melt away. Once she helps you understand that basketball can get you to college, and even earn you a free ride? Well, yeah … that’s gonna change everything.

From Day One, Mom will be your go-to person. You being born when she was young means the two of you will pretty much grow up together. Before long, coaches and teachers will be doing double takes, mistaking you for Mom.Swin Cash

By the time you graduate, you’ll have dominated the high school basketball scene in Western Pennsylvania and have committed to play for the mighty UConn Huskies. But not before Mom makes you go on all five of your official visits. Those are the kinds of decisions she’ll make sure you’re fully thinking through. When it comes to your future, she’ll never let you just wing it.

Once you get to Storrs, Coach Auriemma will expect you to bring that It factor, and, almost immediately, he’ll put you in the starting lineup alongside some of the greatest players in the history of the sport. When that happens, Swin.…

You’re gonna rise to the occasion — All-America, two-time NCAA champion, NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.

And, off the court, the fact that Mom always forced you to consider the pros and cons of every decision growing up will prepare you for when it’s actually time to make choices about things like which major to choose and what career to pursue.

In her own way, Mom is always going to be doing what she can to guide you. You’ll realize soon enough that all this time she’s been instilling within you one main lesson: In about a million different ways she’s going to teach you that positive outcomes don’t appear out of thin air. They aren’t the result of magic.

If you want to be successful, you need to put in work and never give up.

Whether it’s getting good grades, winning a state championship, earning a college scholarship, landing your dream job, or buying a house, you have to set your goal, formulate a plan, and then work your butt off to make it happen.

Over time, without you even noticing it, all of it is going to sink in. Take basketball, for example. You’re going to start seeing hoops as more than just a game. You’ll be more forward-looking, more strategic. It won’t just be a sport for you, it will become a vehicle for your education, for travel, for community. Through it all, and even to this day, you’ll keep one of your favorite Scriptures as your guiding light, the one Grandma Dolly says to you again and again, Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Then, one day, if you play your cards right, you’ll even get paid to play this game.

Then, one day, if you play your cards right, you’ll even get paid to play this game. Swin Cash

The funny thing is, it’s all going to start with a commercial.

In the spring of ’97, just a few months before you turn 18, you’ll catch a glimpse of something on television that will change everything. Instead of seeing AI or Shaq or MJ on the screen, you’ll turn on the TV and witness Rebecca Lobo, Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes hooping.

They’ll be in an empty arena, playing three-on-three for 30 seconds straight. Lisa passes to Rebecca, Rebecca goes in for a layup. They high five. In the background, Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love” will be blaring. Everything about the commercial will be cool, but there’s this one thing in particular that will catch your eye. Once you see it, you won’t be able to forget it.

The backs of their jerseys will have LOBO, LESLIE and SWOOPES written on them. But when they turn to the camera, you’ll be able to see the letters “WNBA” written across the front.

Then, at the very end of the clip, it’ll be like BAM! In big, huge letters….

WE GOT NEXT!

It will mark the beginning of a new era. After that, basketball won’t just be about getting a scholarship anymore for you. It’ll be about making it to pros, the big time, right here in the United States.

From that point on, when you go to play with the boys at the YMCA, or down at the playground, everything will be different. Instead of just the guys talking about how far they can go in this sport, you’ll be able to talk about some big dreams, too.

And, as it turns out, it won’t just be talk. In 2002, you’ll back it up.

After leading the Huskies to an undefeated season as captain during your senior year at UConn, you’ll get drafted No. 2 overall by WNBA’s Detroit Shock. You’re going to be a professional basketball player, Swin. Honest to goodness. Can you believe it?

Basketball won’t just be about getting a scholarship anymore for you. It’ll be about making it to pros, the big time, right here in the United States.Swin Cash

There are going to be ups and downs, of course.

The ups will start right away. In your sophomore season, you’ll help lead the Shock to their first WNBA championship. That same season, you’ll play in the league’s All-Star Game. In 2004 you’ll win gold at the Olympics in Greece.

The downs? A herniated disc, a torn ACL, the loss of loved ones, a cancer scare … I could go on. But you’re going to take on each of these challenges with persistence and discipline. You’ll find purpose in the pain and fulfillment in the struggle. You’ll lean on your mom and her steadfast belief in you. You’ll ask the hard questions of your doctors and coaches. And you’ll do what you need to do. Grandma’s Scripture, “To whom much is given, much is required,” will carry you forward. You’ll understand, at the very core of your being, that everything you have, every accomplishment and responsibility, is a privilege.

You’ll fight through it all, and the success you’ll experience right out of the gate with the Shock won’t be beginner’s luck. You’ll win another WNBA Championship with them in 2006, and then get one in 2010 with the Seattle Storm. Two years later, you’ll return to the Olympic Games, this time in London. And once again, you’ll come home with gold.

But I’m not just here to tell you about all of your future accomplishments, as sweet as they will be. Here’s something that I want you to know … something I really want you to understand and take from this letter. In the coming years, you’re going to need to think big-picture.

In the coming years, you’re going to need to think big picture. Swin Cash

Playing in the W means basketball won’t just be your sport, it will be your career.

You’re going to need to be smart in order to get the most out of it. The day you get drafted, you’ll already need to start planning for life after basketball. The WNBA won’t be handing out multimillion-dollar checks. You’ll have to develop a plan, a strategy for how to make your money last. And grow.

And learning how to do that kind of planning, well ... it’s not something you’re going to be able to pick up on the playground or at the Y. It won’t be something that you and Mom talk about at the dinner table, either.

So let me help bring you up to speed. Here’s the main thing, Swin: It’s not as scary as it seems. Really, you got this.

And there’s a good reason why I say that — why I know it.

The things about you that allow you to excel on the basketball court are the exact same qualities you’ll draw on in figuring out things like investing and planning for retirement — drive, persistence, attention to detail, all of that stuff.

Don’t let a lack of knowledge stop you from doing what you need to do in order to learn. Just put in the work. Like always. Ask a lot of questions. Be proud of asking questions! And don’t forget about the “who.”

Build a team that you can rely on to help you figure all these things out. When you don’t understand something, or you’re curious, or need advice, find someone who has lots of experience in that area. There are going to be people out there who know their stuff and will want to help you. Just make sure you do your research. Make sure these people are legit. Treat this — building your financial team — like everything depends on it. Like it’s picking a college or deciding where to go in free agency. Dig in, find the best experts and then stay engaged.

Once you start doing that stuff, and really start figuring things out, you’re going to want to pass along what you know to others. Kind of like what I’m doing for you right now.

You’ll want others to get to the point where they aren’t feeling overwhelmed or confused when talking about financial topics. You’ll understand that regardless of their backgrounds or careers, no one should feel like they’re in the dark when it comes to their money. So do me a favor: Share the things you’ve been learning with young kids in the sport, and your future nieces and nephews — everyone you can, really.

And then, one day, you’ll get married and start a family of your own. Take everything you know, all that you’ve learned, and lay the foundation for these lessons with your kids early on. Teach your children about the benefits of planning and persistence and teamwork — just like Mom did with you. But also … teach them about money, budgeting, investing and saving. Have those conversations to help them feel confident and comfortable.

Then, one afternoon, when your five-year-old son runs up to you in Target with his Spider-Man wallet and says, “Hey Mommy, I have some money in here. I can buy this Hot Wheels web-car launcher,” you’ll know you’re doing something right.

You’ll have become someone your kids can look up to, and someone they can learn from. You’ll be someone they can trust to always be in their corner. Just like your mom and mentors were for you.

Brought to you by Invesco QQQ in partnership with Invesco QQQ’s How Not To Suck At Money. Learn more at HNTSAM.com

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Individuals should consider their own situation and risk tolerance or consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions. The opinions expressed are those of Swin Cash and are based on her own personal experiences and should not be a guide for future success as other individuals’ experiences may not be representative of Swin Cash’s experiences. NCAA is a trademark of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Invesco is not affiliated with the NCAA or any of the individuals, schools or professional associations or teams mentioned in this article. Invesco Distributors, Inc.

This article was originally published on www.theplayerstribune.com as Letter to My Younger Self .

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Letter to my younger self

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Letter To My Younger Self
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COMMENTS

Journaling Prompt: A Letter to Your Younger Self
Before writing, take a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and bring yourself back, back in memory to that time in your life, re-experiencing the event, emotions, and thoughts of that time. Think about what you have learned about yourself and life since then. Write your letter. Wait a day or two, then read your letter with fresh eyes.
My Breakthrough Moment: Writing a Letter to My Younger Self
Writing a letter to your younger self isn't hard. Just pick up a pen and get going. Consider life events that have shaped who you are and how you think. When finished, seal the letter away to reflect on later. Likewise, you can toss it in the trash and consider it the end to a healing experience.
Dear Younger Me Letter
Here are 54 pieces of advice that you should consider writing in your letter to your younger self. Life is not a dress rehearsal - make the most of every opportunity. You can be anything you want to be - so dream big and work hard. Don't compare yourself to others - focus on being the best you can be.
PDF Letter to Younger Self
8. You can keep this letter and your learnings to yourself. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can share the experience and what you have learned with a friend or a safe, trusted adult. 9. Go back and read this letter to yourself if you're ever feeling down. It might help remind you how strong and resilient you are!
How to Write a Letter to Your Younger Self (5 Steps)
Provide Encouragement and Motivation. Share Hard-Won Life Lessons. How to Start Writing a Letter to Your Younger Self. Tips to Write a Letter to Your Younger Self. 1. Focus On 2-3 Pieces of Advice to Share. 2. Own Your Mistakes and Missed Chances. 3.
A Letter to My Younger Self
Geared toward middle school learners, this social emotional learning worksheet is designed to help teach students about the power of perspective, remind them that they are always changing and growing, and empower them with the knowledge that they have the ability to heal and help themselves. Download Free Worksheet.
A Letter to My Younger Self
I hope this letter can offer you the support I know you don't have. I want to show you your strength and remind you to hold on because things do change. The first lesson I want to teach you is that it's okay to be sensitive. I know mom says that it's your worst trait, but I think it makes you strong.
A Letter To My Younger Self
For younger students and students that are new to therapy, this assignment can be adapted by having them write a letter to their future self. Instead of focusing on how things have changed and what they have learned, instead this assignment allows students to ask questions they may have about stuttering and identify things that they want to change.
How to Write a Letter to Your Younger Self—and Why You Should
But if you want closure on even one lingering regret, there's no cutting corners. Sit in a quiet room with a free hour and a clear head, and write. To summarize: 1 — Ask the tough questions. Find the root cause of your regret and face it. 2 — Provide the life answers.
A Letter To My Younger Self
If you do this, you will never waste your pain. Dear younger me, you can do hard things. There will be times in life that are hard. But you are so much stronger than you know. You are more resilient and wiser than you know. Don't ever forget this. There will be times when life will try to wear you down. Don't let it.
A letter to my younger self
A letter to my younger self. Change and healing only happen when you can come to a sincere and heartfelt appreciation of all of your life experiences, even the unpleasant and painful ones, and see how they have led you to being who you are today. To move beyond this will need work. You have to set those life visions and goals and then work on ...
A Letter To Your Younger Self
Your journey is so valuable and taking this creative writing exercise into practice can be wonderful. Try this with different time periods in your life and see how you feel! To learn more about this activity, explore past experiences, or to work with Lily, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at (646)494-4878.
How To Write A Letter To & From Your Future Self
One of the things you can do in this letter is give yourself advice from the perspective of your future self. For inspiration, consider what advice your present self might give to your younger self. Think about how different you were 7 years ago, and what you wish someone had told you then.
An Open Letter to My Younger Self: You'll Make It Through
If what you need is forgiveness for past wrongs or acceptance of who you are today or appreciation for how far you've come, this open letter is yours to read. These are the things I wish my younger self knew, things you might be able to relate to. "If you must look back, do so forgivingly.". — Maya Angelou.
Letter to My Past Self: Reflection Exercise
Letter-writing is a powerful way to process emotions and promote healing. The Letter to My Past Self worksheet invites clients to write a letter to a younger version of themselves during a time of struggle. This could be an experience of loss, betrayal, illness, a regretted action, a difficult transition, or anything that feels unresolved.
A Letter to My Younger Self
If anything, I can feel my heart and mind expanding in ways I've not allowed myself for quite some time. Going over my life almost like a movie reel in the last few days has made my heart ache for my younger self, the 18-year-old version of me. God! I was so naive then, and my world view was so limited. I had no clue then of all the ways in ...
Letter to my younger self
To the one I was yesterday, keep listening to yourself. Check those mental notes once in a while. You feel like you aged more in the last 3 months than in the last 3 years. Remember to not compare yourself to others. Nurture those old good habits that you left alone a while ago. You have your priorities straight.
u3a
Richard Peoples, u3a Subject Adviser for Book Groups, has suggested: 'In writing to your younger self you may want to reflect on one or more of the important things in life, such as love life and family, education and career, or you may want to give your younger self advice around something specific - like being more confident and worrying ...
Have Your Students Write a Letter to Future Self With FutureMe
An important aspect of any Letter to My Future Self assignment is this magical idea that we have acted outside of time—that a future version of ourselves can interact with a past version of ourselves, connecting old to young, present to past, and spurring nostalgic feelings. When the kids finished, they pressed "Send to the Future," and ...
The Benefits of Writing Letters to Your Younger Self
Writing this transformative letter to your younger self will allow you to connect with your inner child, express your love and support, and promote self-love and healing. The baggage and pain of the past will be brought to the light. Once exposed, a part of your younger self will heal. With that healing, your current self will feel lighter as ...
An Open Letter To My Younger Self
Here is an open letter to remind my younger self that life has its own peculiar ways of throwing us headfirst into a current of deep water. But the waves will never be dangerous enough to drown us because we are much, much stronger than what we give ourselves credit for. To my younger self, I hope you know that the trials and tribulations you ...
How To Write a Letter to Your Future Self (With an Example)
2. Talk about what's going on in your life. As you write the content of your letter, provide context for your future self. Consider dating the letter and including a summary of what's happening in your life. Providing context can serve two purposes. The first is that it can be a fun reminder of where you were.
Letter to My Younger Self
Letter to My Younger Self. Dear 16-year-old Swin, Whew, O.K. … you gotta take a breath, kid. Get it together. I know Mom just handed you a perfectly rectangular 14-by-8-by-5-inch box covered in ...

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Reflect On Your Life Journey

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Share Hard-Won Life Lessons

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2. Own Your Mistakes and Missed Chances

3. Describe How You Overcame Hardship

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A Letter to My Younger Self

YOU ARE WORTH SO MUCH MORE THAN WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE.

THERE IS MORE TO YOU THAN YOUR BODY SIZE OR WEIGHT.

YOU WILL IGNORe YOUR INTUITION MORE OFTEN THAN YOU WILL LISTEN TO IT.

I WISH YOU WOULDN’T SETTLE FOR PLAYING SMALL.

FEMALE FRIENDSHIPS FTW!

TRAVEL WILL BECOME A SOUL LIFTER FOR YOU.

IT WILL TAKE YOU A WHILE, BUT YOU WILL LEARN TO LIVE THROUGH TOUGH TIMES WITH GRACE.

YOU WILL BE LOVED IN WAYS YOU CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE TODAY.

HONOUR YOUR WORD.

AND WHILE WE’RE ON THE TOPIC OF WORDS – YOUR WORDS HAVE POWER.

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