Hey you.
Yep, you, the one figuring out what bag to take on the first day, how to remember your timetable, or just trying to act like you’re not nervous about school starting again.
Let’s talk about something you probably haven’t been taught in class:
writing to your future self.
Not in a “dear diary” way (unless you’re into that), but in a “here’s a message for the future version of me who might need it” kind of way.
Trust me, this isn’t cringe.
This is power.
Why Bother Writing a Letter to Your Future Self?
Because school is a lot.
There’s pressure. There’s people. There’s pretending like everything’s fine when your brain feels like a browser with 56 tabs open.
Writing to your future self is like sending them a voice note from the present moment. You can say:
- “You’ve got this.”
- “It’s okay if today wasn’t perfect.”
- “Remember what actually matters.”
When life gets busy or overwhelming, this letter is a check-in. A reminder that past-you believed in future-you.
And science backs it up:
Writing to your future self helps your brain focus on what’s important. It activates something called the Reticular Activating System (RAS), the part of your brain that filters what you notice. So when you write what you want to feel, do, or become, your brain starts looking for ways to make that real.
Neuroplasticity (your brain’s ability to change) means even one powerful letter can start rewiring how you see yourself.
So, What Should You Write?
There’s no rulebook, but here are a few things you could include:
- How you’re feeling right now before the school year starts
- What you’re excited (or nervous) about
- What you want to remind yourself when things feel hard
- What actually matters to you this year (not just what people expect)
- One or two goals you want to work on (mental health, study, friendship, confidence)
And you don’t have to be poetic or perfect. You just have to be real.
An Example Letter (Yeah, You Can Steal This Format)
To: My Future Self (maybe in 3 months)
From: Me, the version who’s got mixed feelings about school starting
Hey,
I don’t know what’s happened since I wrote this, maybe you’ve had a great few weeks, maybe you’ve cried in the toilets, or maybe both (that’s okay).
Here’s what I want you to remember:
- You don’t have to be the best at everything.
- That one awkward moment isn’t the whole story.
- You’re allowed to change your mind, your goals, and your path.
- Drink water. Charge your phone. Don’t ghost your own needs.
I’m proud of you for even opening this. Keep going, you’re doing better than you think.
Love,
Me (the version who still believes in you)
When Do You Read It?
That’s up to you.
📌 Pin it in your notes app
🧧 Put it in an envelope and open it in half term
📆 Or set a calendar reminder to read it in a few months
The point isn’t when, it’s that you’ll have something waiting for you, from someone who’s got your back: you.
Make It a Ritual (Not a One-Off)
Before the first day of school.
Before exams.
Before something new.
Write a short message to your future self. Like a pep talk. A promise. A proof that even when things feel uncertain, you’re still showing up for you.
Want help crafting your letter?
Use the free Futureality tool to write and schedule your message — it’ll land in your inbox right when you need it most.
Because sometimes, your future self just needs to hear:
“You didn’t quit. You kept going. I’m proud of you.”
