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Letter to Me

Location: Indoors

Time: 30–45 minutes

Materials: Pens

Paper or assortment of stationery (some with lines)

Envelopes

Stamps

Optional: Letter to Me Handout (one per person)

Objectives

• To project oneself in a positive future.

• To reinforce appropriate self-supportive behavior.

Directions

1. Discuss writing a letter to oneself. This letter will have advice the client would like to give him- or herself in the future. Review a list of potential topics for the letters. These might include positive reinforcing feelings, observations, reassurance, recollections, reminders, things learned in treatment, or affirmations.

2. Have participants compose a personal letter, not to be shared with the group, to give themselves supportive feedback and encouragement.

3. Ask participants to address the letter to themselves, sign it, and date it with today’s date.

4. Gather letters and mail them at a future date. This can be a few days after the individual leaves residential treatment or in a few weeks.

Observations

This activity was conducted several times, with and without the handout and with and without fancy stationery. It was so well received that stationery, cards, and stamps are kept on hand as a special reward to those who have exceeded performance. A variation for this activity is to construct a “Time Capsule of Letters” that are held for thirty days prior to mailing.

Inspired by: The satisfaction of getting personal mail.

Letter to Me HANDOUT

Questions to Consider When Writing Letter to Self

What would you like to say to your future self about your recovery?

What are four reasons you should avoid alcohol or other drugs?

What advice can you give yourself about what to do if you feel like using?

What do you want your future self to be like a year from now?

What dreams and goals do you have for yourself?

What would you like to accomplish in life? Think about your personal life, career, finances, love, health, and personal growth.

What positive change would you like to see in yourself?

What will help you to cope with difficulties?

What are three things you can say to encourage yourself if you get down?