The document outlines a journaling exercise aimed at self-reflection and understanding the differences in how individuals treat themselves versus how they treat others. It encourages readers to recall specific instances of support given to friends and the contrasting responses to personal struggles. The exercise promotes curiosity about the factors influencing these differing attitudes and invites readers to envision the potential positive changes in self-talk and self-compassion.

1. Take out your course notebook and follow these steps:
1. Close your eyes and think about a time when a close
friend or family member was really struggling in some
way. They may have been criticising themselves, full of
self-doubt or have suffered some kind of setback in
their personal lives or career.
How did you respond to your friend? What did you say?
What tone of voice did you say it in? How did you feel?
Then open your eyes and write it all down in as much detail
as you can.
Journaling Exercise:
What Kind of Friend Am I?

2. 2. Now close your eyes again and think about the last time
you felt bad about yourself or were struggling. How did
you respond to yourself? How did you feel?
What tone of voice did you speak to yourself in?
Open your eyes and write it all down in as much detail as
you can.
Journaling Exercise:
What Kind of Friend Am I?

3. 3. Do you notice a difference?
If so, ask yourself why.
Take some time to be curious about what factors or fears
come into play that lead you to treat yourself and
others so differently?
Journaling Exercise:
What Kind of Friend Am I?

4. 4. Now close your eyes again and imagine how different it
may feel to speak to yourself in that difficult situation as
you did to your friend.
Over time, what changes might this make in your life?
Open your eyes and write it all down.
Journaling Exercise:
What Kind of Friend Am I?