Have you ever asked yourself, “I wonder what life will be like in a year?” I’m sure we all have at some point, especially for us high schoolers who might be adjusting to some very new chapters during the next few years. Although we can’t predict the future completely, it’s human nature to have expectations for the future. Additionally, it is often a good idea to reflect on how much the last year has changed. A website called FutureMe.com allows you to write a letter, and receive it through email in one year, five years, or even fifty years.

Here’s how to do it:

It might be a good idea to include a professional and personal aspect. Here’s some ideas of things to include in your letter:

• Your current thoughts and feelings about life – How do you feel? Why? What are you struggling with? What do you enjoy?
• Your relationships with family and friends – Who are the most important people in your life? Why? What do you enjoy doing with your friends?
• Your goals and dreams – Where do you want to go to college? What major do you want to pursue? Do you want to be married? Where do you want to live?
• The type of person you want yourself to become – What do you aspire to be? Do you want to be kinder, more genuine, or more social?
• Questions addressed to your future self – Ask your future self questions like, “Are you enjoying life?” or “What is your biggest life lesson?”
• Where you are in your life and where you want to be (physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and any other “lly” ending word)

Not a writer? Don’t worry. Your letter doesn’t have to be a formal piece of writing; it could be bullet points or informal statements,but, the more details the better. Your future self will thank you.

Even if you think that your life won’t change much in the coming year, it will. You may not realize it, but your life and personality has changed in the past year through your interactions and experiences, both good and bad.

Just imagine receiving an email from your past self in one, five, or fifty years. Reflecting on the past and how much you’ve changed might put it all in perspective for you and make you grateful for every season of life. So, I hope that you invest in your future self and write a letter today! You might be surprised when you receive it later down the road.