Letters to Myself

I woke up today to a letter from myself, written six months ago via FutureMe.com. This has become a habit of mine—writing letters to my future self every six months. When I was younger, I used to do this by mailing letters to myself through PhilPost, an exercise in patience and self-reflection. Now, thanks to technology, platforms like FutureMe make it easier. I can set when I want to receive my letter, making it a ritual of anticipation and hope.

For me, this practice is more than just a quirky habit. It’s a way of coping with the anxiety of life’s uncertainties. These letters serve as a small promise to myself, a glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow. Yet, they also come with a hint of fear—what if they highlight failed plans or remind me of paths I wish I could retrace?

The letter I received today took me back to my thoughts and plans from June. At the time, I had just returned from a conference in Japan, determined to dive back into research. But the experience only reinforced why I had stepped away from the academic world in the first place. Now, I continue to practice my profession online, and after two years, I’ve come to love this setup. Still, there’s a lingering wish that I might find the courage to revisit my research someday.

The letter encouraged me to prioritize my mental health over ambition, a reminder I deeply needed. It also mentioned my travel plans, which I fulfilled last October. I explored Europe, braving Switzerland’s chilly weather in my chunky sandals. I spent a serene afternoon in Lugano, a charming town near Milan, sitting by the river. Inspired by the picturesque view, I pulled out my notebook and wrote another letter to myself—a moment of quiet joy that reminded me how much I love writing.

Writing these letters has become a beautiful practice of self-reflection and self-assurance. They help me pause, check in with my goals, and remind me that it’s okay to move at my own pace. These letters are my way of saying, “Everything will be okay; you’ll be fine.” It’s a tradition I hope to carry on for the rest of my life.