Past-Self Pen Pal: A letter story by Marti Esther

My therapist’s eyes soften. “To your past-self,” she says. 

“A meditation. An act of love.” I sit while the baby sleeps 

and I write to my new pen pal, my sixteen-year-old self.

I know it all feels so impossible sometimes. 

I know you feel things deeper than you’d like to. 

It may take years to learn that this is a gift, not a curse. 

I promise, the weight you carry won’t drown you. 

I promise, your happiness will be bigger someday 

than your pain ever was.

Be gentle with yourself as you go. 

I will meet you here.

I am so proud of you. 

I know you would be so proud of me, too. 

Love, 

Marti

Read more of Marti’s poetry and hear her music on Instagram @martimarie