Why Write a Letter to Your Future Self
A letter to your future self is a short piece of writing addressed to the person you will be in a year, five years, or longer. It captures where you are now, what you hope for, and what you want to remember. Reading it later can be a useful check on how much has changed.
It can be as simple as a page in your journal. There are no rules, and you do not need to be a skilled writer.
What to Include
- Today’s date and a snapshot of your life. Where you live, what you do, who is around you.
- What you are feeling. Worries, excitement, and anything on your mind.
- Your goals and hopes. What you are working toward. If you want help defining them, see our journal goals ideas.
- Questions for your future self. Did it work out? What did you learn?
- Advice and encouragement. Words you would like to hear.
- Small details. A favorite song, a current routine, or something you are proud of.
Sample Letter
Dear future me,
It is [date]. Right now I am living in [place] and working on [project or job]. This week has been busy, and I feel a mix of tired and hopeful.
I am writing because I want you to remember where we started. Right now I am trying to [goal], and I am a little nervous about whether I can keep going.
I hope that by the time you read this you have [hope one] and [hope two]. If things did not go the way I planned, I hope you were kind to yourself and found something good in the change.
Some questions for you: Are you still doing [habit]? Did you finish [goal]? What surprised you most?
Whatever has happened, I am proud of you for trying. Take care of yourself.
With love, Me
Sentence Starters
- “Right now, the biggest thing on my mind is…”
- “Something I want you to remember is…”
- “I hope that by the time you read this…”
- “I am working toward…”
- “A fear I have is… and I hope you…”
- “Something I am proud of today is…”
- “If you are going through a hard time, remember…”
Prompts by Time Frame
One year from now
- What habit do I want to be practicing by then?
- What is one change I hope has happened?
- What do I want to have let go of?
Five years from now
- Where do I picture myself living and working?
- Who do I hope is part of my life?
- What skills or experiences do I hope to have gained?
- What matters to me now that I hope still matters?
Yes, you can write a letter to yourself five years ahead. Write it, date it, and decide where to keep it. For present-tense versions that describe the future as if it has happened, see these scripting journal examples.
Tips for Tone
- Write like you would to a friend.
- Be honest, including about doubts.
- Be specific. Details are what make a letter interesting later.
- Avoid pressure. Hopes work better than promises.
- Keep it as short or long as you like.
Where to Keep or Send It
- In your journal: Mark the page and note when to open it.
- Sealed envelope: Write the open date on the front and store it somewhere safe.
- Email scheduling: Many email apps let you schedule a message for a future date. Some websites offer free future-email services, but features and reliability vary, so keep a copy.
- Time capsule: Put it in a box with a few small items.
If you rely on a digital service, check that it is free and that you will still have access to the email address in the future.
Related Journaling Ideas
If you want to write about how you want to feel in the coming months, our intentions journal prompts can help. For picture-based planning, try a vision board journal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a letter to my future self?
A snapshot of your life, your feelings, your goals, questions for your future self, and some encouragement.
Can I write a letter to myself five years from now?
Yes. Date it, store it safely, and set a reminder for when to open it.
Can I write one for free?
Yes. Pen and paper cost almost nothing, and many email apps allow scheduled messages at no cost.