I’m not sure what “softness” means for me—how do I figure it out in a journal entry?

Try contrast and context. 1) Define the opposite: “When I’m hard on myself, I sound like… When I’m soft, I sound like…” 2) Scan your day: Where did I choose care over control? (e.g., took a breath before replying, ate when hungry, paused doomscrolling). 3) Check body cues: What does softness feel like in my shoulders, jaw, breath? 4) Identify one relationship or role (coworker, partner, self) and write: “Softness here looks like… sounds like… protects… supports…” 5) End with one boundary: “Softness is not ____; it is ____.” If you’re using the Stoic app, respond to the prompt for 5 minutes and finish with a one-line definition you can revisit tomorrow.

How do I practice softness without feeling weak or like I’m letting people walk over me?

Differentiate compassion from compliance. Use the Stoic-like lens of control: softness is how you choose your tone, timing, and words—boundaries remain firm. Journal prompts: • “What is within my control in this situation? What’s not?” • “What’s the kindest way to say a clear no?” • “If I were talking to a friend, what soft but steady sentence would I offer?” Write a short script you can use: “I want to help, and I need to finish X first. Let’s revisit at 3 PM.” Soft voice, steady boundary.

What would a ‘soft’ routine look like on a stressful workday, and how can I capture that in Stoic?

Design micro-moments. Morning: one gentle question—“What would make today 10% easier?” Midday: one self-check—“Shoulders down, jaw unclench, one slower inhale.” Evening: one line of gratitude aimed at effort, not outcome. In Stoic, jot three quick lines for each moment (Question, Check, Gratitude). Keep it simple and repeatable. Softness is consistency without punishment: if you miss, you note it kindly—“I’m restarting now”—and move on.

Journaling Idea - On Softness.

What does “softness” actually mean to you right now?

When you think about softness in your reactions, routines, or relationships, where does it show up in the most natural way?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Dec 25, 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.

What does “softness” actually mean to you right now?

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