Letters to Myself

Letters to Myself is a participatory arts and theatre project.

I first heard about it via The Cultural Spring and was intrigued, as a lover of letters and writing.

The project is encouraging people to write a letter to their past, present or future self.

It can be as long or as short as they like and cover any topics or themes relevant to them.

The letters will then inspire a new theatre show that will tour the country.

They will also feature on the project’s website and social media and options for a book or exhibition are being explored.

A series of drop-in sessions were held across Sunderland and South Tyneside to get the ball rolling.

Unfortunately I missed those, but writer and producer Becci Sharrock was kind enough to send me a letter writing kit in the post – complete with a hot drink sachet and biscuit!

She said: “The project started because I was having lots of conversations with friends who were going through a problem or a situation and they would all say something along the lines of ‘I know what I’d say to me if I were you’.

“But somehow, though we can be kind and supportive to friends, the voice in our own head is often the one saying ‘you can’t’.

“So I suppose I’m interested in the way that we talk to ourselves and how we become better at being our own best friend.

“With this in mind, we’re asking people to take some time out to reflect or look forward. Make yourself a latte, open your Kit-Kat and write yourself a letter.

“It can be to your past, present or future self. It can be long or short, silly or serious – whatever makes sense to you.”

I wrote my letter in my head many times before I got it down on paper, giving my new fountain pen its first real spin.

I basically wanted to tell my younger self not to ignore their creative streak.

I loved to draw, but I can’t remember the last time I picked up a pencil for pleasure.

It’s something I’m keen to get back into now, as I’d love to add illustrations to my commissions.

Letters to Myself is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and the Cultural Spring, which aims to improve access to the arts in Sunderland and South Tyneside.