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
17...
生日要开开心心
哦飞鸟
2015.02.24
写给未来的....
爱你爱你爱你
n5581
2020.11.28
不要滑走！！！来自赵浩瀚5年前的一封信
生日快乐宝贝
你的心腹
2020.11.28
写给未来的…
又有什么用呢
神仙要去哪里找
2019.07.11
写给未来的…
如果你能看到
神仙要去哪里找
2019.07.11
写给未来的…
我爱你来找我
神仙要去哪里找
2019.07.03
自己
和法国后发货
lolilo
2013.04.06
写给未来的尹崇明
今晚还挺好
米苏
2021.09.06
2025自由财富，时间
财富自由吗
n7100
2021.05.17
我
故人依旧？
幻猫
2020.02.24
致自己
爱情坚持否
大河报婚嫁赵云
2014.12.17
写给未来的…
tedst
n214
2013.12.19
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