Dear Me: The Power of Writing a Letter to Yourself

Every experience has molded you, and no effort you've made has ever been in vain. The failures, obstacles, and challenges you've encountered have all contributed to your growth and strength.

I recently wrote a letter to myself, a practice aimed at acknowledging my accomplishments and extending kindness towards my efforts. This exercise served as a powerful reminder to celebrate the milestones and growth I've experienced, offering a moment of pause.

I've decided to open up and share my letter to myself with you, our community with hope that you will challenge yourself to write one of your own.

A letter from me to me.

Dear Me,

Reflecting on the path from my university days to now, it's been a whirlwind of self-discovery and pushing my boundaries.

University: As someone who always cherished the comfort of home, moving away from friends and family felt like a leap into the unknown. The thought of mingling with strangers and introducing myself was a mountain to climb. But within the amazing mix of personalities in my Product Design course, I started planting my roots, finding a space to grow, flourish, and truly embrace my creative identity.

2011 marked the start of this journey, not just academically but personally, as it led me to Jack, my partner in both life and creative endeavours. University life was a challenge, a blend of group and solo projects, public speaking, and a myriad of experiences that gradually chiselled away at my shell of shyness.

A period in Norway for a student exchange was transformative, throwing me out of my comfort zone again into an adventure that would redefine my perspective on life. The adventure of experiencing a new culture was incredible. There was so much outside home that needed to be explored, and this trip opened up my adventurous side that I didn't know I had. This trip wasn't just about new surroundings but the new skills in woodworking, glass, metal and ceramics that sparked many creative ideas, including the life of entrepreneurship and what life could be like if you didn't go down the route of finding a 9-5 job.

The final year of university: the daunting prospect of stepping into the "real world," I dared to dream of creating my own path.

The leap into entrepreneurship was both exhilarating and terrifying. Supported by funding, my parents, and Jack, I ventured into business with my craft, a realm where marketing and management were as foreign as they were challenging. Yet, each obstacle was a lesson, each failure a stepping stone.

London's call led me away from my venture at home in Scotland but closer to Jack, diving into a job that, while familiar in craft, felt restrictive. The realisation dawned that this path, too, wasn't mine to walk.

It was leatherwork, Jack's newfound hobby, that reignited my spark, blending passion with possibility. This wasn't just a return to crafting; it was a reclamation of my dream to forge my own destiny.

Yet, the struggle for recognition and fair value in a world of mass production was disheartening.

That conversation with Jack after graduation in 2015 about celebrating Scottish makers resurfaced, turning into the idea for We Are Makers. This wasn't just about showcasing creativity; it was about championing the underrepresented, the artisans who pour their souls into their work.

So, here we are in 2024, sharing stories that might have otherwise gone unheard, advocating for a community that thrives on passion and authenticity. It's been a journey of huge growth, sacrifice, and love. The path hasn't been easy nor financially rewarding in the conventional sense, but it's been profoundly fulfilling.

To you, Kate, the dreamer, the maker, the believer—keep pushing forward. Your journey is a testament to the power of following your heart. Be proud of what you and Jack have built, the lives you've touched, and the stories you've shared. The best is yet to come.

With all my love and admiration,

Kate

Your turn

I now encourage you to take the leap and write a letter to yourself. Read it back and be immensely proud of you and your progress.

Below are some tips of what to include in yours!

Happy writing!

A letter to yourself can:

• Encourages Goal Setting: Detailing your aspirations in a letter creates a personal commitment to achieving them, acting as a motivational tool.
• Reflect on the past: What's got you to where you are now, how has this shaped your journey
• Tracks Progress: A letter can serve as a benchmark. Reading it in the future allows you to reflect on your progress, understand the growth that has occurred, and identify areas that still need work.
• Enhances Gratitude: Writing about your achievements and what you’re thankful for can increase feelings of gratitude and contentment.
• Reduces Stress: Expressing your worries and fears on paper can be a therapeutic way to release negative emotions and reduce stres
• Promotes Self-Compassion: It encourages a kinder, more compassionate internal dialogue, reminding you to treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.
• Acts as a Time Capsule: It captures your hopes and dreams at a particular moment, serving as a time capsule that you can revisit to see how your aspirations have evolved.
• Guides Future Decisions: The insights gained from this reflective exercise can influence your decisions, guiding you towards a future that aligns with your deepest desires and values.

Good luck & if you feel like sharing with us to share with our community. We'd love it! It may just help someone else.