I love this idea and will try thank you so much.

Tahnks:-)

I have post-it notes that constantly remind me ot be kind to me and so on, but this si an excellent idea---and unlike post-it notes, won't be easily lost:-)

Oh Leo i like that idea the nice colored ones i use them for reminder notes but to put nice sayings on them thats great.

If there are other people in your life that you need to "say" something to, it can be therapeutic to do that as well.

I have a lot of issues with my mother, which is pretty hard to deal with since she's been dead since 1967. My therapist suggested that I write a letter to her and say everything I can say to her face. It was very helpful to clarify my thoughts and feelings, and even gave me a better handle on some of them.

Everything I "can't" say to her face - sometimes my fingers move too fast for my brain.

Keeping a journal is great too. You can keep a journal on your computer. I do that because it is too difficult and painful to write with my hands so typing it is easier. Writing things down is great therapy. It is a release of the feelings that are inside of you and letting them out is so healthy. Thanks for this wonderful and caring post.

PeaceN2you I have problems with my mother as well. I moved out the day I turned eighteen. Since then she has been arrested for who knows what a few times and as sad as it has been, breaking my ties with her has actually helped me mentally. She was a large part of my problems. I hope that someday we can try again, but for now I need to make sure that I'm doing okay before being expected to take on her problems like she made me do as a child.

But I'm glad you felt maybe some closure after you wrote your letter to your mother.

It did not post my letter but if you were interested the full letter is posted here:
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Anxiety/forum/17327847-letter-myself-long-post

Thanks for starting this post! Journaling and writing letters to myself and others has been incredibly healing and therapeutic. Even if the letters are never "sent". For lots of reasons, sometimes talking with that person is not an option.
I've written letters to family and friends that were for my eyes only...to express anger, fear, frustration, etc. Just to release the emotion. I've written letters to my younger self to help release and heal old wounds. I've even written letters to loved ones I've lost to help release and heal guilt or speak those unspoken words. Sometimes I cried all the way through it but have never regretted it. Very therapeutic.

Isn't it funny how we extend such beautiful, kind and caring love and support to others but often don't do the same for ourselves? A mentor of mine once said to me..."If you saw one of your family members or friends suffering like you do, wouldn't you try in every way to show them love and support? Wouldn't you treat them with gentle compassion and kindness? Wouldn't you speak to them with a soft and tender tone?". I said, "of course!" And she replied..."So, why not extend the same to yourself?"

Thanks again for the great post.