You should write a letter to your past self, to the person you used to be. Perhaps you’ve wanted to do so for a while but haven’t found the time to do so.

Perhaps many people would like to go back to the past and talk to the child and teenager they used to be, to the young adult who had such a hard time. You’re now probably thinking of a specific moment in your life, that version of yourself you’d like to dedicate a few words to.

The versions of yourself represent the stages you went through during your evolutionary growth. These are stages you can’t go back to. In other words, you can’t modify the past. However, you can learn from it and acquire the wisdom that’ll help you in the present.

Although you may not be aware of it, all versions of you are part of your current identity. Your “me of the past” is part of your “me of the present” and of your “me of the future”. As writer Carlos Fuentes once said, “The past is written in memory”. As you can see, the past is already ingrained into who you are right now.

Thus, you are who you are thanks to the child, the teenager, and the young adult you once were.

An example to help you write a letter to your past self

“Dear me from the past, I know this isn’t a good time, as everything is too overwhelming. I’m aware that you just achieve all the goals you set for yourself because you just can’t do it all. You think of yourself as small, incapable, and useless, but you’re not. It’s true, believe it or not. The thing is, you haven’t discovered yourself because you can’t appreciate yourself for who you truly are.

In fact, you don’t think you can trust yourself at this very moment in spite of your many capabilities. Don’t worry though, that moment will come. You’ll soon become aware of your potential. Just give yourself some time.

I want to tell you to keep in mind that potential isn’t about being the best or accomplishing huge goals. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself and enjoying what you do. Thus, believe in yourself and your capabilities. You can definitely achieve personal well-being.

As you can see, you can’t look at the present and the future if you neglect your past. This is because both are shaped and conditioned by it.

You can’t even imagine how your story is going to change and the great things that’ll happen to you. Don’t get ahead of yourself an simply enjoy every sensation and moment. Yes, even those things that bring out the worst in you.

Eckhart Tolle used to encourage people to focus on the present. This is because it’ll stop your thoughts from ruling your life and allow everything to flow smoothly. As you can imagine, you have to live, experience things, and make mistakes. This is because any experience, be it good or bad, will teach you a valuable lesson.

It’s never a bad time to write a letter

Calm down and take a breath. You’re going through a rough time, I know, I’m aware of the anguish you’re experiencing. Remember that this too shall pass. You’ll be fine, I assure you. You can and will be able to deal with everything that’s rocking your world right now.

Finally, I want to thank you. I’ve learned to be the best version of myself thanks to you. I now love and value myself and know what’s really important. You’ve taught me everything I needed to know and you’ve paved the way.

Sincerely,

Your future self

Letter to My Future Self

I’m writing this letter to my future self because I don’t want the memory of these feelings to fade with time. When my future self has had lots of experiences, I want her to take this letter and stop and think. Read more »

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