How can I journal to spot “unlikely places” where I already show courage?

Try a 5-minute scan of your day. Write three tiny moments where you acted despite discomfort—sending a tough email, getting out of bed when low, asking a question, saying no. For each, note: what felt scary, what value you honored, and what helped (a breath, a phrase, a person). Close with one line: “Courage showed up when I…” Over time, you’ll train your mind to notice small brave acts that were easy to miss.

I’m anxious about a risky decision at work. How do I use this quote to move forward without overthinking?

Use a “unlikely courage map.” In your journal, write: 1) What’s the decision? 2) Worst-case, best-case, most-likely outcomes (1 line each). 3) Unlikely sources of courage I can lean on (past setbacks I survived, a colleague’s support, a simple first step, a boundary). 4) One 10-minute action I’ll take today. The quote reminds you courage often appears after a small action, not before—so aim for a minimal, reversible next step.

Can you give me Stoic journaling prompts to build courage when I feel out of control?

In the Stoic app, start a daily entry and respond to: • Where did courage quietly appear today? (look for small acts) • What’s within my control for the next hour? (name 1–3 actions) • Which value am I choosing to protect right now? (e.g., honesty, learning, health) • What’s one unlikely ally I can use? (routine, past lesson, a friend, a walk) Keep it short and consistent. The goal is to train attention toward small, repeatable sources of strength so courage becomes easier to access tomorrow.

QUOTE

Courage is found in unlikely places.

Published on

Nov 14, 2025

Written by

J.R.R. Tolkien

Journal in Stoic

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