Because Sometimes the Person You Need to Give the Pep Talk to is Yourself

The art of writing letters to Future You

October J.
Scenes from a Life

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Photo by Guilherme Stecanella on Unsplash

Right before quarantine, I started a new journaling habit. It was borne out of grief, but it has evolved over the years. Journaling is something I’ve tried off and on my entire life, but it wasn’t a consistent habit.

But sometimes when you desperately need something and the opportunity presents itself, you grab onto it and run.

For the past ~5 years, I’ve been writing my thoughts into a plain notebook that’s been custom-cut to a size that fits inside a special cover that I had custom-made. Attached inside the pocket of this cover is a skinny plain notebook. In it, I periodically write letters to myself. My future self.

Usually, it’s after I’ve gone through something very challenging. Or when I haven’t written one in a while.

I try to write at least two per year. I talk about something heart-breaking or tough. I tell myself I’ll get through it (and I always do). And I give myself encouragement about the future person I’ve become. Someone who’s proud of herself and can look at her reflection in the mirror and be grateful for the journey.

Because sometimes the person you need to give the pep talk to is yourself.

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October J.
Scenes from a Life

📚 Fiction author 💍 Wife 🎓 MBA 💾 Gen X 🌈 LBGTQIA+ friendly 🐶 Vegan 👁 Atheist ✍🏻 Published 🌿 #climatechangeisreal