How do I choose who to wish wellness for when many people come to mind?

Start by noticing who your thoughts naturally go to when you hear the word “well.” That might be the person you worry about most, someone who supported you, or even someone you’ve been distant from. In your Stoic journal, list 3 names and write one sentence for each: what kind of wellness you’d wish for them (physical, emotional, financial, relational, spiritual). Then pick the one that stirs the clearest feeling and write a short note beginning with: “I want you to be well and healthy. To me, that means…” Keep it specific and compassionate.

Is it okay to choose myself for this prompt? How do I write it without feeling selfish?

Yes—wishing wellness for yourself is an act of responsibility, not selfishness. In Stoic philosophy, care for your own mind helps you care for others. Try this structure in Stoic: 1) Address yourself by name. 2) Define wellness in 3 domains you need most right now (e.g., calm mornings, kind self-talk, steady sleep). 3) Write one gentle sentence per domain starting with “May I…” (e.g., “May I speak to myself like a friend.”) End with one small supportive action you can do today. Keep it brief and kind.

What if the person I want to wish wellness for has hurt me—how do I journal without reopening old wounds?

Use boundaries and clarity. In your Stoic entry, split the page into two parts: 1) Truth: one or two sentences naming what happened and how it affected you. 2) Wish: a separate paragraph that begins, “I want you to be well and healthy,” and defines wellness for them without excusing harm (e.g., “May you learn accountability, find safe support, and do no further harm.”). Close by stating what’s within your control today (e.g., protecting your peace, limiting contact). This honors your experience while practicing measured compassion.

Journaling Idea - On Feeling Well.

If you could wish wellness for one person, who would it be and how do you want them to be well?

You can imagine telling them: \"I want you to be well and healthy.\

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Zach Beauvais

Published on

Sep 16, 2022

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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