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
写给未来的…
你好！
del
2020.03.10
未来的自己
111
动静哈
2020.02.17
写给未来的…
李海锋
你的爱人
2019.11.11
写给未来的…
圣诞节
無字之稱
2014.08.12
Lettre pour la moi dans 20 ans
paulineshao2009
2025.02.14
写给未来的…
测试
曼
2020.12.03
写给未来的…
傻瓜
n5463
2020.11.28
写给未来的…
傻瓜
n5463
2020.11.28
写给未来的…
照片
瞳孔渲染温柔
2020.06.24
写给未来的…
照片
瞳孔渲染温柔
2020.06.24
写给未来的…
照片
瞳孔渲染温柔
2020.06.24
写给未来的…
照片
瞳孔渲染温柔
2020.06.24
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