If you could somehow postmark a letter back through time to your younger self, what age would you choose and what would the letter say?

This is the question I asked dozens of extraordinary women. Some of the most creative, powerful and famous women of our day were intrigued enough by this question to spend time with me, as I helped each woman focus in on the crucial moment in the past when she could have most used the understanding she now possesses. 'What I Know Now: Letters To My Younger Self' contains their heartfelt responses to my question and shares wisdom that exceeded my greatest expectations.

What’s it like to write your own letter to your younger self?

The 41 women in my book found the process surprisingly comforting. Everyone needs help at different points in their lives -- but often we don’t understand until later what was needed.

By reaching back in time with your own letter you can recognize and validate the struggle you experienced back then. You can bring it into the light -- and help someone else who might benefit from your message.

If you could go back, grab your younger self by the shoulders and speak to her, what would you say?

Here’s how to get started on your own letter.

First, ponder the following questions in order to choose the age you want to write to and the message you want to send. Think about the questions with regard to all the areas of your life--friendship, career, motherhood, love, health, family and spirituality. Your goal is to come up with one age and one message that was most critical for you to hear back then.

1. Which periods of your life have been the most challenging internally? What was so hard about them? What would have helped?

2. Which decisions in your life have been the most difficult? Why were they so tough? What did you need to know to make the right choice?

3. Have you made any mistakes you wish you could go back and redo?

4. Did you ever do anything that was completely right or good for you? Do you wish had been praised for it or encouraged to move forward in that direction?

Now, with these answers in mind. Pick the time in your life you are writing to.

Write Your Own Letter

Dear (name) ,

Paragraph 1: You’re (age) and right now your life seems (describe your state of mind and outlook).

This paragraph is a verbal snapshot of your feelings and day-to-day life in that past time period. Describe the challenge or situation that the younger-you needed help with. Put words to the emotions you lived with. Try to remember small details from daily life -- your path to school or work, music you listened to, the way your bedroom looked.

Paragraph 2: There’s something important I have to tell you: (your message). Here is where you can impart the essential advice, guidance or change in perspective that would have helped the younger-you. Think about tone. Are you gently leading your younger self to a new way of thinking -- or impatiently reprimanding yourself for a thick-headed course of action? No one knows better than you what would have gotten through.

Paragraph 3: If you continue on the way you’re going (describe what will happen).

What was the toll that this struggle took on you and your life? Contrast that to what might have happened if your younger self had gotten -- and absorbed -- this message? Describe the short term repercussions as well as long term echos of the topic you’re addressing.

Closing: With (emotion or thoughts),

Say goodbye with a closing that touches on your feelings for your younger self at that moment in time -- or that describes your best hopes for your younger self.

To read letters from some of the most successful women in the world, pick up 'What I Know Now: Letters To My Younger Self.'