THE ISOLATION JOURNALS - DAY SEVEN

Today’s prompt:

Write a letter to your younger self. Thank them, praise them, scold them, comfort them—engage in whatever way you feel led with one or many versions of your younger self. Whatever comes to mind. 

Now, let’s shift to exploring your older self. What would you want to say? To ask? To request? Tell your older self what you are doing now in service of them. Tell them what the ideal situation might look like when you finally meet—where might you be living, what type of work might you be doing, who you might be spending time and space with. 

Letter to My Younger Self

To Annie at 3: That moment when you’re outside in the snow with Daddy and you put your tiny cold hand in his. You’re surprised by how soft and warm it feels. That’ll be your first memory and one you’ll revisit countless times. Enjoy.

To Annie at 7: That moment when Mrs. Whitelaw finishes reading Charlotte’s Web to your second grade class. You’re achingly sad that it’s over. That’ll be your favorite book forever. Say thank you.

To Annie at 12: That moment when your middle school teacher reads your story aloud. You’re embarrassed when she pronounces you “a future writer.” That’ll be a prediction you want to believe but won’t. Believe.

To Annie at 21: That moment when you peruse the college course catalog and linger over the creative writing classes. You’re tempted to enroll, remembering your middle school teacher, but you feel afraid and decide it’s not practical. That’ll be a choice you’ll regret. Be brave.

Letter to My Future Self

Be brave. Believe. Say thank you.

Enjoy.