How can I journal about whether “once-in-a-lifetime” moments are created or discovered?

Try a two-column entry: Created vs. Discovered. Under Created, list choices, habits, and risks you can take that might invite rare moments (e.g., initiating, traveling, showing up). Under Discovered, list times magic happened unplanned. Then add: 1) Values check—what qualities make a moment feel once-in-a-lifetime for you (awe, connection, courage)? 2) Evidence scan—three past moments and what preceded them. 3) Control vs. acceptance—note what you can influence (effort, openness, preparation) and what you can’t (timing, others’ reactions). Close with one small, values-aligned action you’ll take this week to be more “invite-ready.” Use Stoic to revisit this reflection and notice patterns over time.

I tend to overplan and miss the moment. How do I journal to balance intention with spontaneity?

Use a brief structure: 1) Intention—name the feeling you want (awe, wonder, presence) rather than a specific outcome. 2) Minimum viable plan—one clear step that gets you there (go to the event, take the hike, make the call). 3) Let-go list—three outcomes you release control over. 4) Serendipity window—block a small time where you’ll follow curiosity without an agenda. 5) Debrief—afterward, write what surprised you, not what went “right.” Repeat weekly in the Stoic app to train your brain to value presence over perfection.

I’m afraid I’ll waste life waiting for big moments. What prompts can help me notice or invite them now?

Try these quick prompts: • What would make today memorable without being perfect? • Where can I choose a small act of courage in the next 24 hours? • Who, if I reached out today, could spark an unexpected experience? • What micro “once-in-a-lifetime” happened this week (a first, a last, or a never-before-noticed detail)? • What am I willing to risk (time, comfort, ego) for a meaningful chance? Capture one action you’ll take today and one thing you’ll watch for. In Stoic, jot a daily line on “tiny unforgettable moments” to train attention toward what’s already unfolding.

Journaling Idea - On Once in a Lifetime.

Do you believe once-in-a-lifetime moments can be created, or do they just have to happen?

If so, how can you bring more of them into your life? Can you open yourself up to more of them in the future?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Sep 14, 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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