The proper garments for writing to yourself
I recently came across a letter I had written to myself two years ago, outlining my past, present, and future thoughts and goals. That’s right, to myself. I have very intriguing conversations with just me talking to…me. Doesn’t everybody talk to themselves?
Well, they should.
Self-reflection is probably one of the most useful ways of figuring out what to do with your life if you don’t already know. And how to get there, if you do.
It may sound juvenile, like those reflective letters your high school teachers make you write your freshman year so you can see how you’ve “matured” by senior year. But really, a little self-analysis and pointed name-calling never hurt anyone.
So here’s a template reflective essay for your perusal: (Note: I wouldn’t copy it word for word, because…I don’t know you.)
Dear [insert name here],
I am disappointed in you (only slightly). You have lived with yourself for almost [insert age +1], and still don’t know what to do with your life.
You’ve tried being a famous yodeller, and that didn’t work out as planned. Especially since you learned you really can’t yodel. You’ve been unsuccessful as a shoe polisher, mainly since you misguidedly thought there was money in that. And now if you don’t figure something out quick, the aspect of being a hermit on a mountain sounds quite refreshing. Especially since yodelling tends to sound better on mountaintops.
Right here and now, I will give you direction. This is something you need. You need to define yourself from the chaos of the rest of the world, and find what works for you.
[insert the positives and negatives of your past experiences and how they've affected you.]
The future: Now that we know your strengths and weaknesses, let us use them for the future. Currently, you are taking the necessary steps to create a prosperous career, in which you will succeed. But, understandably, it feels like the world is coming at you all at once with so many choices and directions your life could go. So pick a direction that actually compliments you and what you want your life to be. The one that fits your personality.
Remember, this is your life. And you only get one (unless you’re Buddhist or Hindu…and then, who knows how many you’ll have), so make it interesting.
Your biggest fan,
[your name]
Because if you write a letter to yourself, and find it two years later having a faulty memory like myself, it might just feel like a very insightful person is writing to you. And you might actually take your own advice…since you know yourself better than anyone. With the exception of Dr. Phil. He knows everything.
-The Boxcar Children
Sounds like a neat idea. I’ll try to write a reflective letter and lock it in a box. Can’t wait until 3-5 years have passed.
And here I thought I was the only one who talked to myself and insulted myself.
Journals are also good for this ego-damning trip down memory lane. The me now reads things I wrote a few years ago (hell, last week even) and laughs. Not the “oh aren’t you cute and so silly laugh,” but the “oh my God where you really that deluded!” laugh.
I love being a writer.
That happens to me a lot. I guess that’s the price you pay for well documented thoughts!
I think I’ll stick with talking with my poster of Marx.
Oh MY, it’ll take tomes. But I’ll do as soon as.
And you’re right, better to stop yodling.
[“oh my God where you really that deluded!” laugh]