To My 28-Year-Old Self – A Letter from Your 20-Year-Old Heart
Written from Umer, with love and a head full of dreams
This letter is for my future self — a reminder of who I was, what I felt, and the dreams I carried.
Sometimes, we drift through life with silent questions: Will I be stronger or softer? Will I stay true to myself, or will time change me?
This isn’t just a message to me, but to anyone who’s ever felt uncertain, hopeful, or in need of their own encouragement.
I hope this letter becomes a gentle voice of motivation when I (or you) need it the most.
Dear, future me.
If you’re reading this, it means you’ve grown, you’ve stumbled, maybe even freaked out, but you’ve survived. That alone is awesome. I’m writing this at 20, with a little uncertainty in my eyes and a whole lot of hope in my chest. There’s so much I want to say, but let me start by saying: I’m proud of you. For still doing this, for not giving up when it got scary, for choosing to believe in yourself when the world may not have understood your dreams.
I remember being the young kid who sat with drawings, imagination, and questions about who we’d become. Everyone called us a dreamer, a bit of a space cadet, and maybe even a clown sometimes — not in the funny way, but in the misunderstood way. You remember? The girl who drew cats in her notebook during college lectures and stared at the ceiling, wondering about magic, purpose, and belief.
Well, sweetie, I hope you figured a few things out by 28. But if you haven’t — that’s okay too. Life’s not about having it entirely sorted. It’s about growth, about taking steps, big and small, and learning from every fall.
At 20, I’m still single, still figuring out what it means to live adulthood with confidence, not just confidence in your world, but also within my personality, my decisions, and the path I choose.
I’ve had moments where I’ve felt like a failure, where I wondered if I’d ever do something amazing or if I was just doing something else while others found their success. I’ve cried on phone calls, sat in grocery aisles questioning plans, and eaten McDonald’s fries at midnight, because sometimes comfort food speaks louder than advice.
But I’ve also laughed. I’ve laughed like a child, I’ve danced like I was five, and I’ve kept a journal to write everything down — every little moment of motivation, every day I chose not to run from fear, every day I chose love, even when it meant choosing myself first.
You’re 28 now — older than mama was when she had you. I hope you’ve started that master’s program, or maybe something cool and different like clown school or theatre. I hope you’ve applied, and even if you were rejected, I hope you tried again. Because that’s who we are. A capable person who doesn’t compromise on passion.
I hope you’ve learned the power of boundaries, the beauty in slowing down, and that it’s okay to have temper tantrums sometimes — even grown-up ones. Because the truth is, being an adult doesn’t mean we stop being human. It just means we understand more deeply, love more consciously, and forgive ourselves more graciously.
You might be married, or still single, or somewhere in between. Relationships come and go, but I hope you’ve never settled. I hope you found someone who saw your worth, your root, your foundational strength — and if not, I hope you’ve become that someone for yourself.
Maybe you’ve joined Clowns Without Borders, maybe you’ve worked a decent professional job. Maybe you’ve left one behind to venture into something new. I hope you’ve faced the monsters, slayed them if needed, or learned to redefine them with compassion.
Let’s be honest — 2020 was a year of destruction, confusion, and learning how to reconstruct ourselves. It changed the world. It changed us. And currently, the world still demands a lot. You can only do so much, so don’t be too harsh on yourself.
I want you to look back, not with regret, but with a smile. You did good. Even if you didn’t become an astronaut, even if your drawing never made it to an art gallery, even if your writing never became a speech — you did it. You lived.
And remember — even now, I’m rooting for you. You looked fear in the face, and you kept pushing forward. That alone makes you brave.
There’s no expectation you have to meet. There’s only the belief that you are enough, just the way you are — whether you’re wearing a fancy suit or an old clown costume.
This isn’t just a letter, it’s a hug from the past, a reminder that you’re five and fun and ten and 25years and 28 and everything in between. Life is a paradox — and that’s the awesome part.
I’ll write back in a few years — or maybe even sooner — because this letter is not over. There’s still so much to say, so much to explore, and so many parts of you I still want to reach.
So stay with me. Keep reading. This journey isn’t done yet.
I’m still talking to you, and there’s more to come…
A Note on Family
Dear future me,
I hope you’ve held your family close — through the chaos, the arguments, the dinners where the food was either too spicy or too bland, and the quiet evenings where no one said much but the connection still felt real.
Mom’s warm hands, dad’s steady presence, and that one sibling who always knew how to push your buttons — they are all part of your blood, your bond, your foundation. You may have argued, you may have cried in your room wishing to be born into a different life, but I hope you now see the strength in those ups and downs. They grew you.
I hope you’ve found it in you to forgive, to talk, to stay open, and to be the one who says, “I love you,” even if it feels vulnerable. Because when life gets heavy, it’s the ones we’re related to who help us carry the weight — emotionally, mentally, and sometimes even physically.
Don’t let the bothersome moments harden your heart. Cherish them. Hold them. Stay.
To a Friend I Haven’t Met Yet — Or Maybe I Have
Friendship is one of life’s most sacred gifts — not always loud, not always perfect, but always needed. I hope you still laugh until your stomach hurts with the friend who stayed after everyone else walked away.
Maybe you’ve cried, maybe you’ve gone months without contact, but I pray the bond still feels like home. Some friends are meant for a season, some for a lifetime. And I hope you’ve learned to appreciate the difference between quantity and quality.
You don’t need ten people to fill the room. You just need one special person who understands the little things, who remembers your favorite music, your go-to mantra, and the way your voice sounds when you’re scared but trying not to show it.
If any bridges were left behind, and if those friendships once influenced you for the better — remember them. Let your friend know they mattered.
Love – The Deepest Lesson of All
Ah, love. Not just the kind you read about in novels or watch in films. I mean the real, messy, overwhelming, soul-filling kind of love.
Did you let someone hold you even when you were afraid to be seen? Did you dare to show your emotions, drop the hard shell, and let someone fall in love with your true, imperfect self?
I hope you didn’t wait for it to be perfect — because it never is. I hope you made space for someone even when it felt scary, that you gave love freely, and stayed loyal even when it felt easier to run.
And if you’re still waiting for that kind of connection, don’t lose hope. The right person is out there. Or maybe they’re already beside you — as a friend, a teacher, a mirror, or a reminder to love yourself first.
Love isn’t weakness. It’s the strength to heal, the courage to show up, and the grace to forgive — even when the apology never comes.
You, My Constant Companion
Let’s talk about you — the one who has walked every step of this journey, even when your legs were shaking.
Dear future self, please tell me you’ve learned to treat yourself with respect, to honor your emotions, and not just cover them with busyness or fake smiles. I hope you’ve taken time to meditate, to relax, to breathe, to cry in your journal without shame, and then rise again with a sparkle in your eyes.
You’ve been your own student and teacher, your own best friend and hardest critic. And still, you stayed. You listened. You learned.
So please — keep being gentle, keep growing with patience, keep moving with awareness. And when it gets too loud outside, find peace within. You are not here just to impress, but to express. And that, my dear, is your legacy.
Healing Through It All
There were days when getting out of bed felt like climbing a mountain. Days of frustrating setbacks, where it seemed like progress was too slow to notice. But I hope you now see how much healing has happened in silence, in solitude, in the quiet moments between breakdowns.
It’s okay if you didn’t feel okay every day. Healing isn’t linear. It’s a mix of joy, sad days, laughter, anxious thoughts, music that saved you, and sunshine that kissed your cheek on a walk you almost didn’t take.
I hope you’ve forgiven yourself for the choices that weren’t “right,” for the failures, and for every moment you thought you “should have been stronger.” Healing isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. It’s about being brave enough to try again.
Purpose, Progress, and the Path Forward
I know you’ve asked: “What’s my purpose? Why am I here?”
You’ve probably battled with the fear of not being enough, of wasting time, of not living up to your potential.
But here’s what I want you to always remember: Purpose isn’t something you find once and follow forever. It blooms, it shifts, it evolves as you do.
Whether your career is flourishing or paused, whether your goals are met or still messy, I hope you’ve celebrated every small win. The effort matters. The attitude matters. And so does how you react when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Don’t let society define your success. Don’t let the noise dim your authenticity. Keep choosing what feels meaningful, not just what looks important.
A Reminder to Stay Soft
The world will try to harden you. It’ll demand results, measure your worth by output, and push you into corners where your soul feels small.
But I hope you’ve stayed soft. I hope you still laugh, still cry, still look at the sky with wonder. I hope you still believe in magic, and in the beauty of small things — a shared meal, a handwritten note, a child’s curious questions.
Never lose that inner sparkle. Never trade your kindness for coolness. Never forget — self-love is not selfish. It’s the root of everything else.
The Beautiful Struggle of Becoming
Dear future me,
You’ve been through a lot. The burnout, the hardship, the pressure of career decisions, and the silent moments of self-doubt. And yet — you stayed. You were resilient when it didn’t seem possible, and you kept going when the world felt too heavy.
There were times your identity felt unclear — a blur between who you were and who the world wanted you to be. But somewhere in those transitions, you learned to trust the voice within. You remembered your values, your purpose, and your deep-rooted passion to make something meaningful out of this life.
The truth is, fulfillment isn’t always loud. It’s in the quiet satisfaction of a wellbeing check-in, the comfort of knowing you’re on the path, and the small recognitions that whispered, “You matter.” This letter has always been about you. Your mission. Your growth. Your healing.
You’ve turned your aspiration into action, your pain into transformation, and your challenges into catalysts for development. I hope you can now look back and feel grateful — for all the failure, the fear, the unknown — because each of those moments shaped your strength and made you braver than you ever imagined.
Love, Loss, and the Power of Empathy
If nothing else, I hope you’ve stayed compassionate. I hope you’ve given your support freely, shown kindness even when your own heart was aching, and listened when someone just needed to be heard.
Real connection — the kind that changes us — comes from vulnerability. Whether it was a peer, a stranger, a friendship, or someone you lost — I hope you felt it all. Because in this journey, it’s not the trophies or the titles that stay with us. It’s the presence, the empathy, and the loyalty.
You’ve been a guide, a mentor, and a student. You’ve practiced patience, stood for humanity, and found inspiration in places most never look. I hope you’ve shared your story with honesty and have felt the reward of seeing someone else’s life brighten because of your words.
Some days were filled with trauma, others with laughter, but all of them gave you insight. That’s the beauty of emotional evolution — it leaves you humbled, uplifted, and deeply alive.
Purpose Over Perfection
There’s no single road to success. No defined map that says, “This is the way.” What matters is that you believed in your dreams, even when no one clapped for you. That you showed dedication, commitment, and the courage to fail and start again.
You didn’t have to impress the world — just touch it. Even in small ways. A warm smile, a mentoring hand, a message that brought someone back from the edge. These are the real impacts. These are the moments that define legacy.
I hope you took the opportunity to thrive, not just survive. That your ambition stayed grounded, your drive rooted in compassion, and your confidence aligned with authenticity.
The workplace, the community, your personal practice — all of it is a reflection of the kindness you carry. Let your career be your canvas, and your mindset the brush that paints possibility.
Final Goodbye – From My Soul to Yours
Dear Future Me,
And now, as I close this letter, I don’t end it with a period, but with a spark — because this isn’t goodbye forever. This is a pause. A promise. A quiet reminder that your story is still unfolding — vibrant, alive, and full of purpose.
You’ve always been my mirror, my firelight in the dark, the gentle echo of who I hoped to become. In these words, I’ve poured more than ink — I’ve spilled every drop of resilience, vulnerability, ambition, and hope that lived in me.
If life feels heavy, breathe.
You’ve weathered storms you thought would break you. You’ve healed from heartbreaks, turned pain into power, and stood tall when the world expected you to fall. You are not just surviving — you’re blooming.
Be a flame of transformation. A champion of wellbeing. A reflection of courage. Let your kindness be your compass and your truth be your torch. Let gratitude guide you — through the mess, the magic, the failures, and every moment of growth.
The world still needs souls like yours — rooted in love, lit with purpose, and unafraid to feel deeply. So pause. Reflect. Let every emotion pass through you like waves. And then rise — with dignity, clarity, and strength.
So here, with a heart full of belonging, love, and infinite pride, I whisper the most bittersweet goodbye I’ve ever known:
Not to end the story…
But to remind you — you were never alone in writing it.
Goodbye, sweet soul.
Not forever. Just for now.
Until the next chapter, I’ll be waiting — always proud, always connected, and always inspired by who you’ve become.
With my whole heart,
You — the one who never gave up
(Your Umer, 2025)
FAQs
Q1: What is the purpose of writing a letter to your future self?
Writing a letter to your future self helps you reflect on your current mindset, emotions, and goals. It serves as a time capsule of your growth and a reminder of your journey, strengths, and dreams.
Q2: How can writing to your future self support emotional healing?
It allows you to express unresolved emotions, acknowledge your progress, and offer self-compassion. It’s a powerful tool for releasing past trauma and reaffirming your self-worth.
Q3: Can a letter to your future self improve motivation and confidence?
Yes. By recognizing past struggles and celebrating growth, you reinforce self-belief and resilience. It boosts your motivation by highlighting how far you’ve come.
Q4: What should I include in a motivational letter to my future self?
Include your current feelings, future hopes, lessons learned, values, and messages of love or encouragement to yourself, your family, friends, or anyone important in your life.
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