Sometimes I can be found in various spots around campus or curled up in bed typing away furiously on my laptop. Is she writing a research paper? Is she coding an important assignment? Maybe. But it is also possible that I am writing a letter addressed to none other than myself. While not academically productive, I have found over the years that these letters have helped me in more ways than I can count. But I’ll try to name just a few for you.

1. These letters help to calm heightened emotions.

When your emotions have you in the clouds, I have found that expressing thoughts in a letter helps to lower you to ground level again. Emotions can so easily take you over, but turning emotions into words has always helped calm me down.

2. These letters put situations into perspective.

It is very easy to forget why you are angry or why you turned a small situation into a large one. It is very easy to quickly find that the world is too much to handle. Writing a letter is a great reminder of what brought about those emotions and stops you from adding to a pool that is already filled to the brim. Looking at the situation in words keeps it contained.

3. These letters last.

Chances are that if you find yourself angry, you will find yourself in a similar situation again one day; that is just the nature of life. I have many times revisited my letters and found them just as helpful weeks, months, even years later. If you overcame your emotions once, you can overcome them again.

As strange as it feels to read the words “Dear Olivia,... Love, Olivia,” I have found that they can be the best comfort. I encourage you to give it a shot next time you feel you have lost control of your emotions. Remember that sometimes, you are the only person you really need.