Every year, at the end of September, I invite everyone who reads Wednesday Words to pause and write a letter to themselves.

Here’s how it works:

• Between now and October 1st (this Friday evening), block 30-60 minutes to write a letter to yourself with memories, ideas, and reflections.
  
  
• Handwrite the letter. Put all technology aside.
  
  
• Seal it in an envelope and write “Do not open until January 1, 2022.” Place the envelope somewhere you’ll remember.
  
  
• Set a reminder to open the letter on January 1st.

Consider this a chance to pause before the hustle of the holiday season launches you into a new year and new chapter. You might write about what has gone well over the past year, which challenges you faced, what advice you want to remember, and/or what you hope the coming year will bring. Simply start the letter with Dear [Your Name], and see what surfaces.

This will be one of the first things you do in 2022 — you can design the moment however you’d like. But don’t overthink it. A few of your own words, in your own writing, will be enough.

I find there’s power in these community-designed traditions, even if they're practiced solo. They become collective pauses to review, reset, and rediscover small pieces of ourselves. And especially after the past year, I find these practices especially meaningful.

Sign Up for A Reminder
If you’d like to participate, stop by bit.ly/newyearsletter and I’ll send a reminder on October 1st and January 1st. You’ll be quietly and secretly joined by hundreds of others, myself included.