How do I journal about a sentimental object without feeling silly or overly sentimental?

Start with facts, then feelings. 1) Describe the object with your senses (what it looks/feels/smells like). 2) Write the first memory it connects to—who you were with, what mattered then. 3) Name the value it represents (safety, love, achievement, identity). 4) End with one sentence of gratitude. Keeping it concrete prevents overthinking. In Stoic, respond to the prompt in short bullet points to reduce pressure, then add a closing line like, “This object reminds me I value X.”

Thinking about losing this object makes me anxious—how can I journal through that without spiraling?

Try a gentle stoic exercise. 1) Name the fear in one sentence: “I’m afraid if I lose it, I’ll lose X.” 2) Separate what’s in your control (how you honor the memory, how you cope) from what isn’t (impermanence). 3) Write a small coping plan: “If it were gone, I would keep a photo, write its story, and lean on Y.” 4) Close with a grounding line: “I can carry the meaning even if the object changes.” In Stoic, keep entries brief; stop after four lines and take a breath if anxiety rises.

How can I tell if my attachment to this object is supportive or holding me back?

Run a quick check-in: 1) Benefits: list three ways it supports you (comfort, motivation, connection). 2) Costs: list three ways it limits you (avoidance, dependence, clutter, anxiety). 3) Behaviors: note when you feel compelled to check, protect, or carry it. 4) Experiment: imagine one day without it—what feelings arise, and what skills could you practice instead? In Stoic, write a two-column entry (Benefits/Costs) and finish with one boundary you’ll try, like “I’ll keep it, and I’ll practice comfort in one other way too.”

Journaling Idea - On Attachment.

Is there an object you’re attached to that most people might not understand?

What story or feeling does it carry for you? How would you feel if you had to say goodbye to it?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Aug 13, 2025

Journal in Stoic

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Natalia Łobodzińska

Head of Content at stoic.

Natalia oversees all content inside the Stoic app — from guided journals to daily prompts. She works closely with therapists and writers to make sure every word helps users reflect and grow. She also manages translations to keep the experience thoughtful and consistent across languages.

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