Looking after your mental wellbeing can feel challenging, especially if life has been difficult growing, up or continues to be so. Everyone’s experience is different, so it can help to try different ways of working through your emotions, and tools that prompt self-reflection, such as writing, can be helpful.
In ‘Dear Younger Self’, Kyle Stead, a neurodivergent spoken word artist, whose work explores themes of poverty, masculinity and emotional expression, shares how writing a letter to his younger self helped him make sense of his past and build resilience for the future, and invites you to do the same.
In the video he explains how writing to your younger self allows you to express thoughts and feelings that may feel overwhelming or hard to say out loud. Many people find that putting words on a page helps them make sense of their experiences, gain perspective and begin processing difficult emotions. It can be an effective first step toward understanding what you’re feeling and why.
Talking openly about your struggles can be challenging, especially for those who don’t feel confident discussing them. Writing can act as a bridge, a safe, private space to explore what’s going on inside before you’re ready to talk about it with others. Whether you focus on moments of pain, things you wish you’d known earlier or messages of compassion, the process can help release what you’ve been carrying.
Kyle’s commitment to authenticity and emotional truth makes Dear Younger Self a meaningful tool for anyone wanting to explore their emotions and experience creatively. Whether you’re experienced in writing or trying it for the first time, this activity encourages honesty, compassion and connection with your past self, creating space for growth in the present.
Why not take a few minutes to write a letter to your younger self and see what it reveals. If you’re not sure where to start, Kyle’s ‘Guide to writing to your younger self‘, offers tips for getting started.
These resources highlight the power of creative expression in helping us to come to terms with past trauma and ultimately, remind us that even simple acts of self discovery can build resilience, and help us navigate life’s challenges.
If you would like to read more about how reflective writing can help you manage life’s challenges visit Paper and Pen – Hapus and Pause with poetry – Hapus
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