Traveling with a buddy makes the journey better…

Already read the Buddy Ground Rules? Proceed to the next lesson. If not, read below!

***

Traveling with a buddy can make the journey more rewarding. But with reward comes responsibility. We’re making a commitment, not just to reaching our own goal, but to helping our buddy reach theirs. We want both of us to cross the finish line.

A few basic ground rules:

  • In this journey, buddies commit to writing down 3 gratitude items over 5 days. For this journey, you should ultimately share about 15 different people, places and things that spark appreciation in you.

  • If you like, you can also include why. Going into the reasons why we appreciate something can help us connect to the powerful feeling of being grateful.

  • This course can be done every day. But for some people that’s a lot; decide together if you’d like to make it daily or every few days. But try to keep pace with another.

  • At the end of the journey, you and your buddy are encouraged to have a live “chat” - to check in with one another and debrief. Feel free to check in more often, especially if you already know one another.

  • Even if you know one another, please respect confidentiality - do not forward or share messages without permission. And honor your boundaries: buddies may have a different sensitivity to hearing about personal information. If in doubt, ask.

  • If you skip a day or two, don’t worry! Just pick up where you left off. But DO NOT “ghost” your buddy - speak openly if a problem arises or you are having trouble keeping up. If you haven’t heard from your buddy in a few days, you can send them a GENTLE NUDGE.

  • Finally, Celebrate successes; and have fun with it!

This sample form is how you will connect with your buddy over all five days. You can think of your buddy like a “gratitude penpal.” They will receive your entry directly via email.*

Section 1: if you like, share how you feel arriving to the practice

Section 2: your gratitude list

Section 3: a space to share any additional reflections, about the prompt, process, etc

Section 4: let your buddy know how this practice was for you today: easy or not so easy…

In order for your buddy to get your message you must know their email. After entering it once, it will autofill for you. If you have a second buddy, add their email too. You can also CC yourself.

When you’re ready, move to Day 1.

*Gratitude Buddies respects and honors your privacy. For questions, see Terms and Conditions.