My daughter is now in seventh grade and has long had the habit of writing handwritten journals in English. I’ve always supported it. I’ve felt that a journal isn’t written for the present moment, but for the self ten or twenty years later—those fragmented yet genuine moments that will slowly warm over time.

Some time ago, I came across three of her journal entries by chance. My first reaction was shock. Not because of the language itself, but because of what came through in her words: a clear sense of self-awareness, a delicate sensitivity, and a kind of drive and reflection that don’t quite match her age. As I read on, there was even a slight sense of unfamiliarity—as if I were getting to know a version of her I didn’t fully recognize.

She writes about pressure and anxiety, but also about expectations and choices; she acknowledges her vulnerability, and at the same time tries to persuade herself to keep moving forward. That process—of wavering while repairing herself—is very real. These words not only helped me see her anew, but at times, they also reflect something back onto me.

Perhaps many years from now, when she reads these lines again, she will understand her younger self even better than I do now.

Journal Excerpts

Dear myself in one year,

I cannot believe you are already a teenager. Congratulations to you from your twelve-year-old self. I just started seventh grade. It’s pretty hard, but I’m sure that you have already overcome all of the obstacles. You should be in eighth grade, right? Be sure to prepare carefully for exams and have enough happiness in life.

Enough of the academic questions—any new favorite films? Watch them over and over if you want. Are you into any video games? (I hope not.) They rot your brain.

Follow your heart. Remember, you’re on your own, kid.

Sept. 7, 2025
Shirmy

Dear 2025,

I’m not writing this on your last day; I hope that you don’t mind.

First of all, I’ll say all of my thanks to you. Thank you for the two amazing trips to Japan. It made me realize that Japan is not just Tokyo and Osaka, and that I’ve finally been close to Mount Fuji and Warner Bros. Studio JP. Thank you for all the luck I had, from being the top in the whole grade twice in middle school, to having a really nice homeroom teacher, and all of the memories from the last six months of elementary school. Lastly, thank you for all the music and books I was able to enjoy. Taylor Swift’s songs are really a huge hit for me now. Also, Flipped and Shatter Me helped me a lot. They’re really the best books on BookTok.

Second of all, you made me learn a lot this year. I don’t mean all of the junk at school, but real beliefs, truth, and both positive and negative things about myself. One huge example is that my perspective on life has changed completely.

Third of all, I do need to point out all the negative things too. I was definitely extremely stressed and anxious nearly every day of the last six months. And with one of my best friends, Emily, going to the US to live the life I’ve been hoping for and working hard for, it was really difficult. It sent me into deep depression for months. It’s like a constant reminder that life is unfair.

Overall, thank you. I say that from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,
Shirmy

Dear 2026,

Hi! Even though this year might not stand out to me as much as 2025, each and every year of my life is important, and so are you.

First, to myself in 2026. I know that you’ll be trying your best at everything important to you, and you sure will succeed sometimes, but losing is also very normal. Of course you’ll cry and blame yourself, but you’ve got to move on. Life isn’t just misery and failure; it’s about looking at the achievements and saying to yourself, “how great I was and am and will be.”

Second, the plans for this year. I’ll be in seventh (going to eighth) grade, and will have a lot of classes, subjects, and exams too. Well, the best advice I can give now is just to live through it. Traveling is fun—take lots of photos, even of daily boring stuff; you won’t regret it.

Last, to Mr. 2026 itself. I’ll be making some plans for you, and they’re surprises. So, no peeking. Trust the process.

Sincerely,
Shirmy