When I was in elementary school, I used to write letters to myself. I'd write letters and go 'Dear Kristen-at-16-years-old, happy birthday. I hope you're doing something.'

In this quote, Kristin Kreuk shares a nostalgic and personal tradition from her childhood where she would write letters to her future self. By addressing herself as “Kristen-at-16-years-old,” she created a sense of anticipation and connection with her future. The act of writing these letters was a way of engaging in a dialogue with herself, hoping to reach the person she would become as she grew older. It reflects a deep curiosity about her future and a desire to maintain a sense of self-awareness over time.

Kreuk’s habit of writing these letters reveals the power of reflection and foresight. It’s a form of self-expression that allows her to project her thoughts and wishes into the future. By sending messages of encouragement like "happy birthday" and expressing hope for what she might be doing, she nurtured a vision of herself, a version of Kristen she could strive toward. The letters also highlight her desire to maintain a connection with her younger self as she grew older.

The quote speaks to the theme of personal growth and the passage of time. By reaching out to her future self, Kreuk was creating a bridge between her present and future, reminding herself that her experiences would shape who she would become. It underscores the importance of self-reflection and the idea that we can look to our past to guide our future decisions. Her practice shows that even from a young age, we can be aware of our journey and make a conscious effort to stay true to who we are.

Ultimately, Kreuk’s tradition of writing letters to her future self symbolizes a meaningful way to track her evolution and aspirations. It’s a beautiful reminder of the connection we can have with both our past and future selves, and how the act of reflecting on our journey can help us stay grounded in our values and hopes for the future.