I feel silly writing about a favorite mug—how do I make this prompt actually meaningful?

Start with the senses: describe its weight, texture, color, and how it feels in your hand. Add the story: where it came from, who gave it to you, or a moment it was there for you. Name the value it represents—comfort, stability, creativity, or connection. Note the impact: how it eases your mornings or signals “slow down.” Close with a tiny intention: how you’ll use it today to live that value (e.g., one mindful sip before emails). This turns a “small thing” into a mirror for what matters. If you’re journaling in Stoic, write 5–6 lines and revisit tomorrow to see if the meaning changed.

I’m anxious about the future—how can focusing on a small object help me feel calmer while journaling?

Use it as a grounding anchor. 1) Hold the object and list three sensory details. 2) Breathe: in for 4, out for 6, while tracing its outline with a finger. 3) Write two columns: “Within my control” (actions today) and “Beyond my control” (let go). 4) End with one calming phrase the object reminds you of (e.g., “One step at a time”). This applies a Stoic focus on what you can influence and channels anxious energy into present-moment noticing. In Stoic, jot a brief note on how your body feels before and after to see the shift.

What if nothing feels special—how do I do this prompt if I don’t have a meaningful object?

Pick a tiny, repeatable moment instead: morning light on your wall, the first sip of water, a hoodie’s warmth, the sound of rain, a short walk. Write three quick lines: 1) What it is, 2) What it gives you (comfort, clarity, steadiness), 3) One way you’ll notice it today. If you struggle with overthinking or ADHD, set a 2-minute timer and keep it bullet-point simple. Over time, these “little marvels” become reliable cues for regulation and gratitude. Save today’s entry in Stoic and add one new micro-moment each day this week.

Journaling Idea - On Little Marvels.

Is there something simple in your life that means a lot to you?

Maybe it's a book, your favorite mug, or a piece of clothing. Why is it special to you? How does it make your day better?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Nov 5, 2024

Journal in Stoic

HowTo=target

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking to learn moreabout emotions?

Find hundreds of quotes, affirmations, lessons, guided journals, and so much more in stoic.

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.

Is there something simple in your life that means a lot to you?

Join the Minimal Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you think about this?

How do you think about this?

How do you think about this?

Looking to learn moreabout emotions?

More prompts on On Little Marvels