Write a Letter to Your Future Self
Writing a letter to your future self can sound a little precious — until you actually do it. It isn't a diary. A diary records what already happened; this letter is addressed to someone who doesn't exist yet: the you of one year, five years, ten years from now. Somewhere in the writing, you'll catch yourself asking questions you never slow down for. What do I actually care about right now? Who do I hope that person becomes? What's the one thing only today's me can tell them? Plenty of people say they found their answer the moment they hit "seal." Below are real letters that writers chose to share with the world. Read a few — chances are you'll know exactly what you want to say.
How to write this letter
- Start with right now: today's date, where you're sitting, what just happened. The forgettable details are exactly what future-you will treasure.
- Ask your future self a few questions. Did you finally do the thing? Is that person still around? Questions travel through time better than statements.
- Include a promise or an inside joke only the two of you share. It'll land perfectly on opening day.
- Don't aim for polished. A rambling honest letter beats a tidy generic one every time.
Real letters from the vault
5529 public letters但
但至少我能保證,你的內心明白你自己是個好人。
陈欣儿
2014.09.02
写给未来的…
未来的自己等着时候你上了什么中学我希望是2中
n357
2014.08.07
还记得她吗？未来的自己
她说等你两年，她说叫你好好当兵，现在怎样了？
n248
2014.04.05
写给未来的…
努力吧你就小样！再找借口看你丫的怎么上七中！
free
2013.08.07
写给未来的自己
这时候，自己考上城关了吗？自己说到做到了吗？
n132
2013.05.08
我在即将走出校园的时候问未来的自己：
现在你面前的那个她，是你一直深爱的那个人吗？
BluforJewel
2013.03.21
暑假快乐
暑假快乐，现在不要忘记2021的自己！加油
n7616
2021.12.20
愿
换一种生活，也许更好。愿你不会抱怨现在的我
季冬雪Ming
2020.01.10
寄未来
数学怎么样呀，有没有做一些有意义的事情呢。
锦衣缇骑在镇江
2019.11.09
写给未来的…
开学两个月了望一切顺利加油＾０＾~＾０＾~
n4283
2019.06.25
写给未来的自己
你毕生的梦想实现了多少？有没有让自己后悔？
n4216
2019.05.18
写给未来的自己
你毕生的梦想实现了多少？有没有让自己后悔！
n4216
2019.05.18
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead should I send it?
One year and five years are the most popular. For your first letter, go with one year — far enough to forget what you wrote, close enough to stay excited. Once you're hooked, try ten.
Can I reread my letter after sending it?
No. Once sealed, not even you can open it before delivery day. That's by design — so the surprise stays intact when it finally arrives.
How do I know I'll actually receive it years from now?
On delivery day you'll get both an email and a text message. Every letter also comes with a 6-digit claim code as a safety net — even if your contact info changes, the code gets you in.
Write a Letter to Your Future Self
Write yours