I was thrilled to discover that December 7th is Letter Writing Day and profusely thank the person who claimed it to be so. With the advent of instantaneous email, we are losing the art and power of letter writing ~ those special times we once took, with pen in hand, to communicate in a considered way with another human being, often one we missed or cherished for some reason.
In my book, Your Journal Companion, letter writing is one of the key tools I offer as a form of heightening awareness of self and others. You can write a letter to someone you love, someone who challenges you, to one who has passed on, to a situation, to a part of your Self, a part of your body, an illness, a pet … anything or anyone who supports, informs or challenges you from the past, present or may do so in the future.
This kind of letter is an unsendable one, meant for your eyes only, so that whatever wants or needs to be said can be, with emotional charge and without restraint or editing.
I invite you to try this letter writing exercise:
Take just 15 or 20 minutes today, or sometime before the end of the year, to write a letter (on paper) to your 2016 Self from your 2015 Self. Start with the date and Dear (your name), then let the words flow as freely as you can ~ share what you have learned, what you are pleased to have accomplished, what or who challenged you, what surprised you about yourself, made you happy, brought you sadness. What the low points and the high points were; who supported you, you let you down. And what hopes, dreams and definable goals you have for your 2016 Self. Then offer your best advice and encouragement for the year ahead. Finish your letter with words of love and support for You.
Fold the letter, tuck it in an envelope, seal it and put it away in a safe, private place. Trust that your 2016 Self will choose an appropriate occasion to open that letter and review what you’ve written. When that happens, I suspect you will be surprised at the wise and timely words you will read.
Remember, my friends, we have the answers for our highest good within us if we but take the time to share them with ourselves.
Many blessings for an abundant and love-filled holiday season and wishing you all the best on your journey to an Integrated Life,
Plynn
Plynn Gutman 