In developing a gratitude writing and reflection practice, writing down your thoughts and observations in the most direct and honest way you can is important. It’s vital that you sound like yourself in how you record your thoughts so that when you refer to them later, you can re-experience them (and your feelings of gratitude about the subject of your journal entry). One of the best ways to write in your authentic voice is to write as if you are speaking to a close friend.  Think of describing a scene or discovery as you would tell your best friend.  (You might think about a school buddy or perhaps God.) Write with full disclosure. Use all the details you would want a good friend to know about.  Remember, your friend is making no judgments.

“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been and accepts you for what you’ve become, and still gently allows you to grow.”   William Shakespeare