Prompt: Letter-Writing

Letter-writing is a unique practice. It can feel more guided and direct than ‘regular’ journalling, bringing together reflection, expression, and communication.

Once you’ve written a letter you can save it, send it, or get rid of it. The power is in the act of writing, not in the person receiving it.

Here are some prompt examples:

A letter from yourself at 80 years old, to yourself now. What does your life look like? What do you want your current self to know?

A letter to someone you are angry at, that you will not send. Get it all out. Let it be unfiltered, and honest. If it turns into scribbles or ‘nonsense’, that’s okay. It’s still expression.

A letter from yourself now, to your childhood self. What do you want younger-you to hear and understand? What do you want them to know about your life now?

A letter from your childhood self, to you now. What does your childhood hope for you? What do they want you to remember?

A letter of gratitude to yourself or to someone else.

A letter to a part of you that you want to shift your relationship with. Perhaps there’s a part of yourself that you’re looking to forgive, or accept, or understand better. Try writing to it as if it’s a distinct being.

A letter to someone who is going through the same struggles you are (or have been through).