How can I reflect on a big decision I ended (like quitting a job) without spiraling into regret?

Try a values-first breakdown. 1) Timeline: List the key moments leading to the ending. 2) What was up to me vs. not up to me (a Stoic exercise): choices, preparation, communication (up to me); other people’s reactions, market conditions, timing (not up to me). 3) Intention vs. outcome: Write one sentence for your intention, then list outcomes—separate them so you don’t judge the decision only by results. 4) Costs of staying vs. leaving: two short columns to balance the view. 5) Lessons earned: name 3 skills or insights you wouldn’t have without this ending. Close with one sentence of self-respect: “Given what I knew then, this choice aligned with my values because…” You can capture these steps in the Stoic app so you can revisit them on hard days.

I ended a relationship and still feel guilty—what’s a good way to journal through that guilt with this prompt?

Use a gentle, structured entry: 1) Name it precisely: guilt, sadness, relief, fear—write each with one sentence of why it’s there. 2) Intention vs. impact: write an “Intention Statement” (why you chose the ending) and an “Impact Statement” (how it may have affected others). Holding both reduces all-or-nothing blame. 3) Repair options: list any fair, respectful actions you can take now (or write why none are appropriate). 4) Self-compassion reframe: “I can honor their feelings and still honor my boundaries.” 5) Release ritual: one line of closure you’re willing to practice this week. In Stoic, return to this entry in a few days and add a brief update on how the guilt shifted, even slightly.

I worry I’m idealizing the past—how can I get a balanced view of my decision in today’s prompt?

Use a reality check spread. 1) Roses/Thorns: two columns—best parts of staying (roses) and real costs/strains (thorns). 2) Evidence list: 5 concrete facts from that period (no opinions), then 5 from the weeks after the ending. 3) Counterfactual: If you hadn’t ended it, what likely problems would you still face? 4) 10–10–10: How did it feel 10 days, 10 weeks, 10 months after? Note any growth. 5) Amor fati note (Stoic): one sentence accepting that this ending is part of your path. Summarize with: “Knowing what I know now, one thing I’d repeat and one thing I’d do differently.” Save this in Stoic to track how your perspective evolves over time.

Journaling Idea - On Grand Finales.

Think of a major ending in your life that was entirely your decision.

Maybe you ended a relationship, quit a job, or moved to a new place. Why did you make that choice? How did you feel afterward?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Jan 2, 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.

Think of a major ending in your life that was entirely your decision.

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