Creating a Hope Letter for 2026

Let me just say it: I’m not on Team New Year’s Resolutions.

Why? Because for most of us, resolutions fizzle out by February. They’re often too vague, unrealistic, or set with timelines that don’t match real life. And honestly, they usually come with a side of pressure and perfectionism — not exactly the energy I want to carry into a new year.

What I do believe in? Intentions. Clarity. Hope.

Last year, I came across the idea of writing a Hope Letter, and it’s something I now share often with clients. It’s a powerful practice that shifts the focus from fixing what’s broken to imagining what’s possible.

💌 What is a Hope Letter?

A hope letter is written to yourself, dated one year from today — as if everything you’re dreaming of has already happened.

You write it in the present or past tense, outlining the life you want to be living. Think:

• How you feel in your body and mind

• What your relationships look like

• Your finances, your home, your work

• What you’re doing for fun or rest

• Any spiritual, creative, or personal growth you’ve experienced

You get to paint a picture of a life that feels right — not perfect, but meaningful, grounded, and yours.

✍️ How to Write It

You don’t need the “perfect” time. New Year’s Day is lovely, but I’ve had clients write their letters on birthdays, after major life events, or even in the middle of a random Tuesday. The point is: whenever you’re ready, write it.

Once it’s done, you can:

• Tuck it into a journal or a drawer

• Give it to a trusted friend to mail back to you

• Use a future-letter app to email it to yourself one year later (try https://www.futureme.org/)

This isn’t about manifesting or magical thinking. It’s about getting clear. When you write your Hope Letter, you’re reminding yourself what matters. You’re shifting from reactive mode to intentional mode. You’re deciding how you want to show up — and taking a step toward it.

No, not every word in the letter may come true. But here’s the magic: a year from now, you might be surprised by how much of it did.

So grab a pen. Open a blank doc. Or pull out your favorite app.

And start your Hope Letter for 2026.