By Claire Hastings, Counsellor at InnerMe Counselling
'To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart and sometimes, that place is yourself.'
-adapted from Phyllis Theroux, 1998
On 1st September, World Letter Writing Day, I think about the quietness of putting pen to paper. In a world that moves too quickly for us seemingly never to catch our breath, letter writing offers a way to gently pause and is an opportunity to connect not only with other people but with ourselves.
Writing as a Gentle Invitation
Sometimes, writing a letter to yourself can open a space to notice your feeling, to reflect on your hopes, and give room for memories without judgment. It can be a way of hearing your own voice more clearly, and of giving form to thoughts that might otherwise stay hidden inside.
You might notice your thoughts drifting or developing, or your feelings emerging as you write. Some gentle prompts to invite reflection and awareness might be:
- What am I feeling in this moment?
- If my mood had a colour, what would it be today?
- What sensations am I noticing in my body as I write?
- What thoughts or memories are bubbling up? Notice them without judgment.
- What small moments of myself am I seeing clearly right now?
- How might I offer myself kindness or gentle understanding today?
There is no right or wrong way to approach this. The simple act of beginning can, in itself, be enough.
Letter Writing and Person-Centred Counselling
For some, letter writing becomes a creative expression of the values of person-centred counselling: empathy, acceptance, and authenticity. By writing to yourself with honesty and kindness, you may find you create a softer relationship with your InnerMe, one where understanding and gentle care are allowed to grow.
Letter writing is not a technique, but rather an invitation. A way of opening a conversation with yourself in your own words, in your own time. Simply showing up as you are, in that moment can offer the chance of reflection and insights.
Letter writing and honest self-expression have many voices. I really value the authenticity of modern writers like Yrsa Daley-Ward, whose words seem to embody the spirit of person-centred empathy and vulnerability, and the humorous and heartfelt diary entries of the character Bridget Jones, which reminds us that self-reflection can be both compassionate and light-hearted.
Whether through letter writing, poetry or journaling, writing invites us to explore and embrace our InnerMe with kindness and openness.
Beginning Your Own Letter
If you feel drawn to try, choose a quiet moment with a favourite pen, a notebook, a sheet of paper or on a digital device, whatever feels right for you. Let your words come gently, they don’t need to be polished or complete. This letter is for you, and you alone. You might keep it to return to later, or simply write and let it be. However you approach it, allow yourself the freedom to explore, reflect, and offer yourself time and care.
'A letter is a gift of yourself even, and perhaps especially, when written to your own self.'
-my own reflection
About Me
I’m Claire Hastings, a BACP-registered counsellor and founder of InnerMe Counselling. I work online and by phone with people across the UK and Europe, supporting those navigating the emotional challenges that can arise during life’s transitions. You can find out more about how I work at www.innerme-counselling.co.uk
Tags: World Letter Writing Day, Reflective Writing, Reflective exercises, Mental Health, Self Awareness.
© Claire Hastings T/A InnerMe Counselling (Trademark pending)