Note to Self, Note to Self, Note to Self
Although all of the issues high schoolers face — whether internally or externally — are legitimate, it is an unfortunate truth that many students find their traumas being invalidated due to their age. Access to a safe outlet for the negative emotions that may arise, no matter what reason, is more often than not hard to come by when you are within the ages of 10 to 18, and courageously attempting to navigate yourself and the world around you.
Establishing your personal identity and the experiences that make up yourself is crucial at a young age. And, although many may not know it, time is not linear — you are connected to all other forms of you that have existed and will exist. Thus, the purpose of this writing art assignment is to connect you with yourself, teach you that the traumas you have experienced in your own life are 100% valid, and to create a safe and introspective space — one where you, the student, can freely express the emotions you feel, whether they are positive or negative. It is encouraged that you take time to complete the assignment with care, for that is when the fruits of your labour will be most beautiful, raw, and true to who you are. This assignment is for you.
Supplies:
- A pen or pencil of your choice
- Two sheets of paper (copy paper or lined paper of your choice are both acceptable)
- Assorted colouring supplies (i.e. markers, highlighters, coloured pencils, crayons, etc.)
- Three mailing envelopes
Steps:
- On each envelope, write your name largely and fill in the space.
Note: decorate accordingly with colouring supplies. These are the aspects of the papers that symbolize you and your embodiment. How would you represent yourself?
2. On the first piece of paper:
Think back to a moment in your life when you wished you have somebody there to provide you words of encouragement, and begin writing a note to yourself at that age. Write three statements you wish that somebody had told you at that age — this part is ambiguous, so be as in depth or as vague as you would like to be.
3. On the second piece of paper:
Using the same amount of time that has passed since the moment you wrote the first letter to yourself, begin writing a note to future you (ex. if the initial letter is addressed to you from three years ago, address you three years in the future). Write three statements of pride and self-love for future-you. Affirm future-you that the work current-you is putting in now is well worth it — because it is.
4. SUBMIT: Seal your letters in two of your decorated envelopes. Attach scans or well-lit photographs of your sealed envelopes in either an email to your teacher, or into the submission drop box for this assignment.
POST-SUBMISSION: Write one last note-to-self. Address this note to current you, and write three affirmations that make you happy when you hear them (i.e. “you’re doing a great job”, “I am proud of you”, “everything is going to be okay”). Feel free to write what you like in the margins: more affirmations, doodles, etc. Keep this last note for yourself to read when necessary, tucked away in a safe place — or magnetted to your fridge as reminder of how far you’ve come.
