MESSAGES FROM THE MIND: Dreaming of Handwritten Letters

Seeing as March is Sleep Awareness Month, I thought it would be interesting to talk about dreams. I’ve always believed dreams are like letters from our subconscious—sometimes poetic, sometimes cryptic, and occasionally so bizarre that even Freud would need a second cup of coffee to make sense of them.

But dreaming about a handwritten letter? Now that’s when things get interesting.

In an age where most communication consists of thumbs tapping on glass screens, dreaming of a handwritten letter is no small thing. It’s not just about words—it’s about intention, emotion, and the kind of patience that comes with putting pen to paper. So, what does it mean when your dream delivers a handwritten letter instead of, say, a rogue email from your high school gym teacher? I checked a few dream meaning sites and have broken down the most popular “letter” dreams.

Receiving a Letter in a Dream
If you dream about receiving a handwritten letter, pay attention—someone (or something) is trying to tell you something. This could mean actual news is coming your way, an unresolved conversation is bubbling up, or your past self has decided it’s time for a check-in. If you remember who sent the letter, that’s a major clue. Was it an old friend? A lost love? The weird kid from the bus stop in elementary school?

Writing a Letter in a Dream
If you find yourself pouring your heart out on paper in a dream, your subconscious is practically screaming, “Write it down already!” Maybe there’s something left unsaid, an apology unspoken, or a feeling you’ve been holding back. Whether or not you actually send the letter, the act of writing could be what you need to process your emotions.

What’s in the Letter?
Content is key. If you recall specific words or phrases, take note—they might be direct messages from your inner self. Dreams love riddles, but sometimes, they just hand you clarity on a silver platter.

Your Emotional Reaction in the Dream
How did the letter make you feel? Excited? Anxious? Relieved? Your emotions in the dream are just as revealing as the letter itself. A letter that fills you with joy might symbolize a long-awaited resolution, while one that brings dread could hint at an issue you’ve been avoiding.

What a Handwritten Letter Means to You
Handwritten letters carry different meanings for different people. If you’ve cherished letters from a loved one, dreaming of one might evoke nostalgia or a longing for connection. If you’ve never written (or received) a handwritten letter, it could be a sign you’re craving deeper, more meaningful communication.

So, if you’ve had a dream about a handwritten letter, consider it an invitation. Maybe it’s time to write that letter—not just in a dream, but in real life. Time to reconnect or simply put your thoughts on paper. It doesn’t have to be long or profound—it just has to be real. (And no, a text message doesn’t count.)

Because sometimes, the things we dream about are the very things we need most.

With love (and my Dreamer’s Dictionary by my side)

Felice

SONG OF THE WEEK
Dream Letter by Tim Buckley. It’s a bit of a psychedelic tune, but the title was too apropos for this week’s post.

Felice Cohen is an award-winning author, known nationally and internationally for living in one of the world’s smallest apartments. She wrote Half In: A Coming-of-Age Memoir of Forbidden Love (endorsed by Rita Mae Brown), 90 Lessons for Living Large in 90 Square Feet (...and More) (inspired by her viral YouTube video with 25M+ views), and What Papa Told Me (endorsed by Elie Wiesel). Felice is a sought-after speaker, inspiring others through her books and talks. Find her at felicecohen.com.