Writing a Letter

Imagine a person to whom you wish to speak, and write him or her a letter. Describe in detail what you are feeling and what you want to say. Do not send the letter. Simply write it and either hold onto it for future reflection or find some way to dispose of it (shred it, burn it, plant/bury it, etc.).

We can become stuck in our grief, our sadness, our anger, our hopelessness when we hold onto unpleasant feelings, phrases, unexpressed thoughts. In fact, we can make ourselves spiritually and even physically sick. 

Is there something you didn't get to say to a loved one before he or she died? Is there something you wished you would have said in a difficult conversation? This may take some imagination, but there are no limits as to whom you can write a letter or what you choose to say.  These letters should not be sent to the recipients, because the exercise is not for them. Regardless of how eloquently we articulate our thoughts, we know we cannot control the attitudes or behaviors of others.

Writing a letter like this is something done to express difficult feelings and thoughts, to get them out of our inner-self. Being honest with our emotions helps strengthen our spirits, immune system, our beliefs, our self-concept, and our faith life (if applicable).