Send Yourself a Letter

By Kelly Carey

Last week Annie invited you to give your writing the gift of compassion. This week, let’s continue the gift giving.  

Give your writing self the gift of encouragement.

This summer, I took a class taught by Charlesbridge editor Karen Boss. At the end of class, Karen asked us to write ourselves  letters.  The letters were an opportunity to chat about our writing hopes, dreams, and goals. Karen collected the letters and tucked them away. Five months later my letter appeared in my mailbox and it was the most wonderful gift.

I had totally forgotten about the letter and what little nuggets were scribbled on the page. What I found was a pep talk from the person who knows and understands my writing journey the most. In the letter, I reminded myself to believe in my writing skills, gave myself advice on how to set goals and keep at them, and included encouraging words along my road to publication.

I have read the letter half a dozen times and each time my writing spirit feels invigorated and motivated.  My very own words have given me a wonderful new soundtrack to play in my head whenever I need to banish self-doubt or that nasty negative voice that likes to make noise and derail my creative energy. My letter has become a powerful tool on my road to writing success.

I am going to encourage you to send your writing self a letter. Be positive and encouraging in your letter. Seal it up and tuck it away, or give it to a writing friend or a critique partner and ask them to mail it in five months (maybe just in time for your six month June Year’s Eve goal assessment).  Five months from now you will be grateful for the words you put on the paper.

---