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高考你准备好了吗
距离高考206天，6.1号的你准备好了吗
16岁时的骁哥哥
2016.11.13
写给未来的…杜蕾
也许现在的你很彷徨，加油，时光总会善待你
n1107
2015.09.20
写给未来的…
你还喜欢他吗？你是一时热情还是真心相付？
陌小沫沫
2014.10.31
写给一年后的自己
目标完成了吗？我现在没工作在家吃父母的！
翁较瘦y
2014.10.05
致一年后的自己
傻逼，考试考的怎么样了~不会让我失望吧！
梁A源
2014.04.03
兄弟用心交,父母用命孝
到未来的我看到这份信,我相信生活会美好的
n221
2014.02.03
未来的你，还记得现在的你吗
未来的你，过的好么？有没有，和她在一起？
n83
2013.04.06
写给未来的…
一个人想着一个人。一个月的你还是这样么？
决定就是你了_
2013.04.05
这封信写给未来的小刘
未来的小刘 你现在好吗？
小刘
2021.08.23
写给未来的…
吕小布，希望你已经开始变得更加优秀了
n3052
2018.04.25
未来你好
你好18岁，我是15 岁。你收到了吗
吕蜜桃
2014.09.27
当年的志向实现了吗？
谷底敢想摘星梦，高考应该成功了吧。
shayuhua
2022.12.13
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