The Friend in the Mirror

We're often kinder to friends than to ourselves. This exercise narrows that gap.

1. 1Write down the harshest thing you've told yourself this week.
2. 2Read it back, but imagine a close friend said it about themselves.
3. 3Write what you'd say to that friend — out loud is best.
4. 4Read your reply slowly, replacing 'you' with 'I'.
5. 5Notice: that voice was inside you the whole time.