Dear Future Me 📝 ⏳ 👵🏼
A little low-key time travel today
What will I need?
A pen or pencil, and paper.
A quiet space for reflection.
A timer (optional).
Steps:
Set a timer for 5 - 15 minutes.
Write a letter to your future self. It doesn’t have to be perfect, or perfectly comprehensive.
After your chosen time ends, put your letter away somewhere where you might discover it years later.
Click the “heart” button for this post to track your progress and let us know you did this one.
If you’re up for it, share a snapshot in the Substack chat!
Tips, Guidance, Inspiration, and Science
Want to keep going?
Make this a recurring event. Write such letters once a year or every few months and open them after a specific time period.
Invite friends or family to do this activity and share your experiences (if you feel comfortable).
Write separate letters for different aspects of your future life – personal growth, career, relationships, etc.
Help! I’m stuck!
Remember: there's no right or wrong here. This is a personal exercise about self-reflection, not a formal letter.
Start by writing about your present. Where are you now? What have you recently learned?
Think about your hopes and dreams. What would you like your future self to remember or be reminded of?
You can also include important memories, advice, or questions for your future self to ponder upon.
What’s the science?
Self-reflection and writing about personal experiences can lead to emotional clarity, improved mood, and reduced stress levels (Pennebaker & Beall, 1986).
"Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company." - Lord Byron
My husband and I spent our lunch talking about this question. It’s a hard one and we are both better for the convo. Thanks! I wanted to thank my future self for being more at peace with whatever is happening.
I've learned my handwriting is atrocious. Interesting exercise tho.