Dear future leader,
I cannot put myself in your shoes right now because I have not been where you have been or
seen the things you have seen. Our life experiences may be the complete opposite, or just alike.
Who knows. Either way, I am here to offer some words of encouragement because that’s
something we all can use at some point in our lives.
Someone once said “a smooth sea never made a skillful sailor”. This means that life has its ups
and downs. We don’t always know what life will throw our way and at times life can seem so
unfair, but we have to keep hope and keep the faith in ourselves because our challenges only
make us better. Some may see this as the worst time of their life, but I want you to see this as
time to grow, change and work to becoming the person you want to be. Remember, any
feelings of defeat are only temporary; you can be great. This is only a bump in the road. It does
not have to be your life. Don’t give up on yourself; you are worth it. Find a goal and use this
time to work towards making that goal happen. You can literally do anything you put your mind
to. I know you can do it because I am doing it. We all have the same capabilities to succeed,
despite our circumstances. We just have to overcome those circumstances to make it happen.
Of course, that is easier said than done, but I believe that you can be great. Believe in yourself.
Stay strong.
Sending you light and hope.
Dear Friend,
I am writing to you to send some encouragement your way. Life is sometimes crazy and at
times we end up in places we never even expected to get to. However, the beautiful thing
about it is you have the power to change where you are in life and the person you want to be.
No one in the world is perfect. Everyone has their flaws because that’s what makes us human.
Maybe you feel like it’s all your fault or maybe you feel like it’s all someone else’s fault. I
understand; it may not seem fair. It’s okay to feel upset, hurt, disappointed or even angry, BUT
you have to use those feelings to motivate you to change your life. Don’t get bitter, get better. I
know it can be hard to be where you are right now. I have family members and friends in your
very shoes as we speak. The thing I admire most about them is that they have hope. You have
to have hope. Don’t give up on yourself. You can be anything you want to be. I mean anything –
doctor, lawyer, entrepreneur, whatever you set your mind to do. Imagine the life you want
once you have finished your time there. Work towards making that life a reality. Go back to
school if that’s what you need to do. Whatever it is you want to do, just do not give up. There
are too many people who gave up far too soon and regret it. Keep your head up. You can be
great starting today.
Sending you light and hope.
To A Future Leader,
From a person who was once in your situation, please let me inform you on
how essential you are to a better future. You are so full of capabilities and you have
such a beautiful story to tell for future generations. Every experience in your life is a
lesson learned, whether it be a toxic person you removed yourself from or from
making a mistake. From my own experiences, I grew up in a bad neighborhood with
bad influences, I had problems with “fake” friends, I’ve been in handcuffs from being
in so many fights, and I’ve made so many mistakes in my life that I can’t even keep
record of but these struggles have all taught me valuable experiences that have
made me the person I am today. I’m currently in graduate school and applying to be
a medical student so I can be a doctor in the military. Just like you, I had big dreams
and just like you, I had so much going against me but nothing is impossible. You
literally can do anything you want, who says you aren’t capable? If you truly want
something, fight for it and fight hard. Success isn’t given but earned.
I believe in you and I am not the only one. You are not alone, you have
support from so many people but no one can take the first step but you. You have to
make a plan to succeed and strive because I know you will get there. At the end of
the day, what you do is what defines you. You will conquer. You will succeed and
make such a beautiful difference so I encourage you. Be the change you wish to see
in this world.
Sincerely,
A person who believes in you
Dear Mentee,
You might get a lot of letters telling you how special you are and how much of
the world you can conquer but no one can make the first step to success but you.
Everyone has such amazing contributions they can make to better the world and
you definitely have every bit of skills to do so. YOU have what it takes but only YOU
can take that initiative and push to be the best person you can be. We all have our
stories, we all have different obstacles, and we all have our own adversities but our
struggles don’t define us.
If you are unhappy with your current situation, then change it. If you can’t
change it then accept it. However, if you are going to accept it, you should ask if this
is what you want to do for the rest of your life. Are you the best version of yourself
and are you making the world a better place for a brother, a sister, or for your future
children?
We all have made mistakes in our lives but who you are in the end of this
journey is what defines you. It won’t be easy but it will be worth it. If you’re going to
do something, make sure you’re going to do it to the best of your abilities. Get up, get
your stuff together, and prove to everyone who has doubted you wrong. Be an
influence, be a leader, be a role model and change lives because YOU know YOU can.
Sincerely,
Someone who was once in your situation
Dear Pen Pal,
I would not be telling you the truth if I said I have never felt alone or helpless or hopeless in a situation. What I can say is that you are extraordinary and you are destined to be someone great. Something amazing was placed in you and you can lead a purposeful life. Despite what is going on around you, what matters is what is going on within you. You have the power to change your life and your circumstances, no matter what others may say. Have faith in yourself, not other people or things. Find your inner peace and work to become the person you were destined to become. Find what it is you were destined to do and go for it. Nothing and no one else can stop you, except for you! You have the power to make it happen. I know some situations may not be your doing and sometimes we find ourselves in places we never thought we would be, BUT use this as an opportunity to become a better person and walk in your life’s purpose. You areloved and you can do whatever you put your mind to. You can change yourself, your situation and your life will have an impact on the world. Make it a positive one!
Sincerely,
Your Pen Pal
Dear Pen Pal,
The worse decision you can make is know that you have a purpose and do nothing with it. What is it that
you want to be known for? What do you want to do? And more importantly, what are you going to do
about it? Our mistakes don’t make us who we are. It is how we respond to our mistakes that help us
build character and become the person we are destined to become. We can’t erase our mistakes, but
we can use them to be better. So, my Pen Pal, my encouraging words to you today are not to despair,
get bogged down or angry for any decision you may have made or any mistake you feel like you can’t
take back. Instead, let it grow you. Let this experience make you better. Dig deep into yourself and see
your full potential, and then go after what you see! I once read something that said, “There is no such
thing as impossible; the word itself says I’m possible”. That means, you can do ANYTHING. You are
worth your own investment. Make that investment in yourself now. Better yourself, read, research,
pursuit the good things in life that matter for your future. Do the things you need to do to uplift yourself
because you are worthy and you can do it!
Sincerely,
Your Pen Pal
Dear Pen Pal,
I know you may be confused about how you got here or what to do next. I don’t know what tomorrow
holds, but I do know who holds tomorrow. You can endure this process. You will get through this stage. I
don’t know if you believe in destiny, but I do. I believe every moment of your life was planned before a
single day passed. And I believe that this can only help you become stronger. There is a plan for your life.
There is a purpose for your life. Brush the dust off and move forward in your life. Do what you have to
do in this stage and prepare to make yourself better. I am telling you that you can endure this process.
Some days may seem hard, I know, but I also know that you can handle it well. Don’t give in to the
surroundings or your circumstances. Don’t allow those who know you the least, shape you the most.
You hold the key to your own future. Pick yourself up. Be encouraged. Life is not over for you. It is only
beginning! There is so much greater in store for you. This part will be over before you know it. What
matters is what you decide to do after this experience. Make your life count. You were placed on this
Earth for a purpose. Find your purpose and work towards it. Be strong and know that you are loved and
that there is someone praying for your success.
Sincerely,
Your Pen Pal
Dear Pen Pal,
Hope means that we look forward in confidence of something good to come. I have hope in you and I
hope that you have hope in yourself and your situation. Believe it or not, your hope has influence in your
life. Your hope in yourself can be the difference between just making it through or coming out
triumphant. Cultivate your belief and your hope that your situation is not the end. You have to keep
telling yourself you can do this. You have to keep telling yourself to keep going, even if you feel there is
no one else telling you the same. I am just here to tell you that you don’t have to worry or be afraid. You
will make it past this. Not only can you make it past this, but you can still accomplish your dreams.
Nothing is impossible for you. You can still be a good person, you can still be a leader, you can still be a
positive influence on others. Become someone your family and friends would be proud of. Begin to
create your legacy now. Your life is so valuable. I hope that you realize all that you are fully capable of.
You are not hopeless and you are not helpless. Your experiences do not make you any less of a person
or any less worthy of a happy, successful and positive life. Make your plan and work towards what you
want to do after this part of your journey. And I hope that in it all you remember good things are going
to come to you. Just have hope.
Sincerely,
Your Pen Pal
Dear Pen Pal,
I know this is probably a tough time and are probably so close to giving up, but I have a few things I want
to tell you: don’t lose faith and don’t become discouraged. You may be discontented but use this as a
time to plan for your future. What do you want to do with your life? You have all the opportunity in the
world. We are so blessed to live in a country where we are afforded opportunities for advancement.
Make the most of this time. Plan for your future. Quitting is not an option now. Use this as your moment
to dream again. Make a vision for how you see your life in the future and make the necessary steps to
make that happen. I know this may seem easier said than done, but start with the small steps. Research
what you want to do with your life and focus on moving yourself in that positive direction. There are so
many options for you. You can be a doctor, an engineer, a small business owner, a motivational speaker,
a talent manager, an accountant, whatever it is that you want to do. Focus on your dream and make it
your reality. Read up on your future path. Take a class. Sign up for a program. Find a mentor who is
doing what it is you want to do with your life. Take whatever steps are necessary to progress yourself
forward. You can’t dwell on what’s happened or whose fault it was; all you can do now is make this time
count for you and not against you. You are young. Anything is possible for you. Dream, believe and
become what it is you envision for yourself to have a better life.
Sincerely,
Your Pen Pal
To my pen pal,
Hey there! It is such a pleasure to have the opportunity to communicate with you. I have faced much
adversity in my personal life and I hope to be a positive light in your life as well as a beacon of hope. I
am here to reassure you that this is all temporary. There is absolutely NOTHING that you are enduring at
the moment that cannot be improved upon. Wherever you feel the slightest ounce of discouragement,
please remember that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Even if the light may be dim for the
time being. Always hold your head high with confidence and understand that one poor decision in life
does not define you as a person. Keep the faith!
“God is out refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” – Psalm 46:1
Sincerely,
Your Pen Pal
Dear young person,
I hope life is treating you better. Life is tough, something I have grown to realize over the
years. No matter how hard you get back up, it will try to knock you down again. That’s why you
must bounce back with a much greater force and keep the momentum going. Never stopping to
look back. I couldn’t be in Grad School studying Biomedical Sciences if it wasn’t for the help of
my mentors, supporting and encouraging me when I was weak. I wasn’t the strongest student in
high school. I made average to below average grades mainly due to lack of focus and motivation.
I eventually graduated and went onto college. My grades slowly improved which sparked a fire
in my mind and I was determined to succeed.
I’ve learned that many things in life require practice and persistence. If you want to excel
at Basketball, Singing, Dancing or any other passion you must put in the time. You will struggle
and fail at first but eventually will become great at your craft. You must push through the initial
struggle phase. It’s the hardest but also the part where you grow and develop. After this phase, it
will get easier and easier and you can perform with second nature. Therefore, it’s important to
start now at a young age developing good habits so they can become a lifestyle for you.
Invest in yourself and this will add value to your life. It can be as small as replacing soda
with water every day or exercising instead of watching a movie. These small adjustments can
have positive impacts on your quality of life. Delve deep inside yourself to find what brings you
joy. Use this as a guide to finding your passion in life. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just needs to
be raw and personal to you. This is where you can find your purpose. You are born with unique
talents. Trial and error helps some discover these gifts while some know right from the start
where their specialty lies. Don’t be afraid to take risks to find your purpose. In the end, it will be
well worth it. Peace of mind will find you. You’ll be fulfilled and satisfied.
Always believe in yourself and develop independence. Don’t rely on the approval of
others but make sure you love yourself so that you won’t depend on a person to love you and
build you up. With patience and time, you will be on your way to reaching your fullest potential.
Sincerely,
A caring Human