“Dear Me…”: A letter to yourself and your resilience
Writing to yourself can be grounding — especially when things feel unclear or overwhelming. A letter isn’t a solution to everything, but it can be a way to slow down, reflect, and meet yourself with honesty.
If you’re not sure how to start, this guide offers a few steps — and some simple prompts to help you find your own words.
1. Begin with presence
Start where you are. You don’t need a full explanation — just a first sentence. Try starting with:
Dear Me,
Right now, I...
Today feels like...
I’m not sure how to say this, but...
I wanted to check in because...
2. Reflect on what you’ve moved through
Look back — not to relive everything, but to acknowledge it. Sentence starters:
In the past few weeks/months, I’ve...
It was hard when...
I didn’t expect to handle... but I did.
I’ve noticed that I’m different from before in...
Even when it didn’t show, I was...
3. Name your resilience
This is where you recognize your quiet strength — even if it didn’t feel like strength at the time. Try starting with:
I kept going even when...
What helped me stay grounded was...
I’ve been resilient in the way I...
I’m learning that strength can look like...
I’m proud of myself for...
4. Write to the version of you that’s still on the way
Speak to the you who’s still figuring things out — with hope, not pressure. Sentence starters:
I hope you remember that...
In the future, I hope you can...
No matter what happens next, I want you to...
Please keep...
It’s okay if you still feel...
5. Close with care
End your letter with a steady voice — something gentle to carry forward. You could start with:
Whatever happens, just know that...
You don’t have to have all the answers.
You’re doing better than you think.
You’ve already made it through so much.
Keep going — one piece at a time.
A small note: Your letter doesn’t have to be just words. If it feels right, you can make it more personal by adding color, small drawings, or even stickers — anything that helps express what you’re feeling. It doesn’t need to be polished or perfect. Sometimes a simple doodle, a highlight, or a quiet symbol in the corner of the page can say what words can’t.
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After writing this letter, I hope you feel a bit lighter and more grounded. Remember, resilience isn’t about never struggling — it’s about giving yourself space to grow and keep going, one step at a time. You’ve already shown your strength by simply showing up.
