Discover the power of FutureMe and writing a letter to your future self. Learn how to use the FutureMe app, explore a letter-to-self template, and find journaling prompts for reflection, growth, and motivation.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to receive a message from your past self? Imagine opening your inbox a year, five years, or even ten years from now to read your own words of encouragement, advice, or reminders of who you used to be. That’s the power of writing a letter to your future self.
In this guide, we’ll explore the concept of “Future Me,” the popular FutureMe app, and why writing to your future self is a powerful tool for self-reflection, growth, and motivation. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions, templates, and prompts to help you write your own future letter. Let’s get started!
What Is the FutureMe App?
The FutureMe app is a free online platform that allows you to write letters to your future self. Once you write your letter, you can schedule it to be emailed back to you in one year, three years, five years, or a custom time frame of your choice.
The app has become popular worldwide for several reasons:
- It provides an easy, automated way to connect with your future self.
- Letters can be private or shared anonymously on the site’s public timeline.
- It’s a simple and free tool…no complicated setup required.
- Reading a message from your past self can be emotional, motivating, and perspective-shifting.
If you’re interested in personal growth, reflection, or setting goals, the FutureMe app is one of the easiest tools you can start using today.
Why Write a Letter to Your Future Self?
Writing to your future self is more than just a fun activity. It has deep psychological benefits:
1. Self-Reflection and Clarity
When you write to your future self, you pause to reflect on where you are right now (similar to journaling prompts). You’ll think about your current struggles, hopes, and dreams. This process alone provides clarity about what truly matters to you.
2. Motivation and Accountability
By writing down your goals, you create a record that your future self will see. It’s a way of holding yourself accountable and staying motivated.
3. Tracking Personal Growth
When you eventually read your letter, you’ll see how far you’ve come. Sometimes progress is hard to notice in the moment, but looking back can reveal just how much you’ve grown.
4. Emotional Healing
Writing to yourself can be a form of therapy. You can offer kindness, forgiveness, or encouragement to your future self—especially if you’re currently going through a difficult time.
5. Creating Hope and Optimism
Future letters help you think ahead and imagine possibilities. They encourage you to dream, plan, and focus on positive outcomes.
How to Write a Letter to Your Future Self
Writing a meaningful letter to your future self doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps to create something powerful:
Step 1: Decide Your Time Frame
Do you want your future self to read this in one year? Five years? Ten years? The time frame shapes the kind of advice, questions, and reflections you’ll include.
Step 2: Choose a Platform
You can use the FutureMe app, a handwritten journal, or even a digital document saved with a reminder to revisit later.
Step 3: Set the Tone
Decide whether your letter will be casual, reflective, motivational, or even humorous. Remember—it’s for your eyes only, so write authentically.
Step 4: Include Key Elements
- A snapshot of your current life: What’s going on right now?
- Goals and dreams: What do you hope to achieve by the time you read this?
- Encouragement: What kind words do you want to give your future self?
- Questions: What do you hope you’ll be able to answer in the future?
Step 5: Seal It Away
If you’re using the app, choose your delivery date. If writing on paper, seal it in an envelope with instructions not to open until the chosen year.
Letter to Self Template
Here’s a simple future self letter template you can adapt:
Dear Future Me,
Right now, it’s [today’s date]. I am [describe your current situation—career, relationships, feelings].
I want you to remember that… [insert advice, encouragement, or wisdom].
Here are the goals I hope you’ve achieved by the time you’re reading this:
If life hasn’t gone as planned, I hope you’re still proud of how far you’ve come. Remember that growth is never linear, and you are stronger than you know.
Some questions I have for you:
- How do you feel about life right now?
- Did you achieve the things you dreamed about?
- What surprised you along the way?
Take a moment to be grateful for everything you’ve experienced. Keep going—you’ve got this.
With love,
[Your Name]
And here’s a PDF template you can download and use to make this process as simple as possible…
Journal Prompts for Your Future Self Letter
If you’re stuck, these prompts will help you get started:
- What do I hope my daily life looks like in five years?
- What advice would I give my future self if they’re struggling?
- What do I want to remember about today?
- What relationships do I want to nurture?
- What goals do I want to have achieved?
- What fears do I hope I’ve overcome?
- What dreams do I want to be living out?
Writing a Letter to Your Past Self (Bonus Exercise)
While this post focuses on writing to your future self, writing to your past self can be equally powerful. It allows you to reflect on your journey, acknowledge your struggles, and celebrate your resilience.
Try writing: “Dear Past Me, here’s what I want you to know…”
This kind of letter promotes healing and gratitude.
Benefits of Using the FutureMe App vs. Traditional Journaling
| Method | Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FutureMe App | Automatic delivery, digital storage, private or public sharing | Tech-savvy users, anyone who wants a surprise email later |
| Handwritten Letter | Personal, tangible keepsake, emotional value | People who love traditional journaling |
| Digital Journal/Google Docs | Easy to store, searchable, customizable delivery | Writers who want flexibility |
FAQs About Writing a Letter to Your Future Self
1. How long should a letter to my future self be?
There’s no rule. It could be a single page or several. What matters is honesty and intention.
2. What if I don’t achieve the goals I wrote about?
That’s okay. Life often unfolds in unexpected ways. The letter is about reflection, not perfection.
3. Is it better to handwrite or type the letter?
Both are valuable. Handwriting feels more personal, while typing with FutureMe ensures delivery.
4. Can I send a letter to someone else’s future?
Yes, you can encourage friends, family, or even your children with a letter they’ll open years later.
5. Is the FutureMe app free?
Yes, the basic features are free. There’s also a premium option for advanced scheduling.
Below are four examples of letters to your future self.
Sample Letter to My Future Self (Example)
Dear Future Me,
Right now, it’s 2025. I’m working hard on my blog and exploring new opportunities. I’m still figuring things out, but I’m proud of the courage it takes to chase my dreams.
By the time you read this, I hope you’ve reached financial stability, grown your audience, and taken time to enjoy life outside of work.
If things didn’t go as planned, that’s okay—you are still strong and worthy. Remember to keep writing, keep loving, and keep moving forward.
With love,
Past Me
Sample Letter to My Future Me #2 (Longer, More Detailed)
Dear Future Me,
It’s [today’s date], and right now I’m sitting here with my journal, reflecting on where life has taken me so far. At this moment, I’m [describe your current situation—career, relationships, home life, emotions]. Things aren’t perfect, but they’re meaningful, and I’m learning every day.
By the time you’re reading this, I hope you’ve achieved some of the goals I’m setting for myself now. I hope you’ve grown into someone who feels proud of how far you’ve come, even if the path looked different than expected.
Here are some goals I hope you’ve worked toward:
- Building a life filled with purpose and joy.
- Creating financial security and independence.
- Nurturing relationships with people who truly matter.
- Taking care of your health—body, mind, and spirit.
- Continuing to write, create, and share your voice with others.
If life hasn’t gone as planned, that’s okay. I want you to remember that detours can lead to beautiful destinations. You don’t have to have everything figured out to be happy. Be gentle with yourself. Celebrate your progress, not just your perfection.
Here’s what I want you to remember:
- You are resilient.
- You’ve survived 100% of your hardest days so far.
- You are capable of more than you give yourself credit for.
- Gratitude and kindness will always guide you.
Some questions I have for you:
- What does your daily life look like now?
- Are you living in alignment with your values?
- What are you most proud of in this season of your life?
- What surprised you along the way?
- Did you take the chances that scared you but excited you?
If you’re reading this in a moment of doubt, I hope you pause and realize how far you’ve come since I wrote these words. Please know that even when things feel heavy, you are strong, and you have so much to give to the world.
I hope you’ve laughed often, loved deeply, and lived bravely. I hope you’ve traveled, tried new things, and created memories that make you smile when you look back.
With love and encouragement,
[Your Name / Past Me]
Sample Letter #2: Short & Casual
Dear Future Me,
Hey there—it’s [today’s date]. Right now, I’m [describe your current life briefly]. I hope when you’re reading this, you’ve found balance, joy, and maybe even a little more peace than I feel today.
I hope you’ve stayed true to yourself, laughed a lot, and created memories worth holding on to. If you’ve achieved some big goals—amazing! If not, that’s okay too. Just keep moving forward, because life isn’t a race.
Remember: be kind to yourself, don’t sweat the small stuff, and don’t forget to have fun along the way.
Talk soon,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter #3: Motivational & Uplifting
Dear Future Me,
I’m writing this to remind you of who you are and what you’re capable of. Today is [date], and at this moment, I’m working hard on my dreams and trying to build the life I’ve always imagined.
I hope you’ve taken the risks that felt scary but exciting. I hope you’ve stayed brave in the face of challenges and never forgotten that you are resilient, worthy, and powerful.
Here are some promises I hope you’ve kept to yourself:
- To live with courage, not fear.
- To take care of your health and your spirit.
- To choose people and opportunities that align with your values.
- To never stop learning, exploring, and growing.
If you’re reading this during a hard time, let this be a reminder that you’ve overcome hard times before. You are stronger than you realize, and you are never stuck—you can always start fresh.
So, keep dreaming big. Keep moving forward. Keep believing in yourself. The best is always yet to come.
With all my love,
[Your Name]
Conclusion: Future Me as a Tool for Growth
Writing to your future self is a timeless exercise in reflection, motivation, and hope. Whether you use the FutureMe app or pen and paper, your words will serve as a powerful reminder of where you’ve been and where you want to go.
Take the time today to write your letter. Your future self will thank you.