Letters That Heal
The exercises provided can be completed at your own pace—whether quickly or slowly. The goal is to utilize these letters to gain insight, not to criticize or diminish oneself or one’s efforts. Life, parenting, and childhood are journeys where we strive to do our best with the knowledge we have. These letters are meant to help you gather information, gain understanding, and steer your life in the desired direction. Separate sheets of paper can be used for these exercises.
- Imagine having the ability to express anything to a person who impacted you in your youth. Write a letter from that person to you, in their voice, offering the words you needed to hear then and now. Consider the messages conveyed through their actions towards you. Respond with a letter back to them, expressing your thoughts openly and without reservation.
- Envision your child writing a letter to you, reflecting their perceptions of your interactions, love, and discipline. Consider how they interpret your messages and what they observe in their daily life. Write a letter to your child, irrespective of their age, emphasizing the message you wish to convey and the understanding you hope to impart as a parent or caregiver.
- Project yourself writing to your child when they are 25 years old. Highlight the emotions you want them to experience from you and vice versa. Define what you hope they will recall about you and their upbringing. Illustrate the relationship you aspire to maintain with them as they mature into adulthood.