I’m overwhelmed choosing 5 objects—how do I decide what’s truly nonessential without stressing out?

Try a quick, low-pressure filter: (1) Frequency: When did I last use it? (2) Function: Does it do something another item already does? (3) Friction: Does it add clutter, maintenance, or decision fatigue? (4) Future: Would I genuinely miss it in a month? (5) Values: Does it align with the life I’m trying to build? In Stoic, list 10–15 candidates, rate each 1–5 for necessity, then choose the five lowest. Frame it as a one‑month experiment, not a permanent decision. Note one benefit you hope to gain (time, space, clarity) for each item—this keeps the process purposeful instead of stressful.

What if the items I should remove have sentimental value—how do I journal through that without feeling guilty?

Separate the memory from the object. In your Stoic entry, write a short “thank you” note to the item: what it gave you, what chapter it represents, and what you want to carry forward without it. Capture a photo or describe the memory in detail so the story is kept even if the object goes. If guilt shows up, name it and add one compassionate reframe: “Letting go honors the past by making room for what I need now.” If it still feels heavy, choose one representative keepsake and release adjacent items—progress over perfection.

Do digital things count? Can I include apps, tabs, or notifications as part of my five, and how should I test it?

Yes—digital clutter drains attention like physical clutter. Good candidates: nonessential apps, auto‑emails, social media shortcuts, excess notifications, saved tabs, or duplicate cloud folders. Pick five and set clear rules for a month: for example, delete one app (you can reinstall later), disable all non-urgent notifications, unsubscribe from three lists, close all tabs nightly, and archive duplicates. In Stoic, jot a daily two-line check-in: (1) What felt easier or harder today without them? (2) One adjustment for tomorrow. After a week, note any changes in focus, mood, or time reclaimed, then decide what to keep removing for longer.

Journaling Idea - On Necessity.

What are 5 objects you could easily remove from your life?

Imagine giving them up for a month, then maybe a year. How hard is it to find 5 things you don’t need?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Zach Beauvais

Published on

Apr 17, 2023

Journal in Stoic

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Zach Beauvais

Writing & User Experience

Zach helps stoic design experiences for mental and emotional wellness, creating guided meditations, mindful walks, and journaling prompts rooted in Stoic philosophy. He also serves as Marketing Director at Cornell’s ILR School, where he helps leaders clarify their purpose and turn ideas into content that engages students, faculty, and collaborators. With over 15 years of experience in storytelling, community building, and content strategy, Zach brings both creativity and clarity to his work. Outside of writing and strategy, he enjoys photography, making coffee, and carving spoons, bowls, and cups from green wood.

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