How can I turn a recent “almost” moment into a useful journal entry this week?

Try a simple 10-minute flow using the first prompt. 1) Rewind: Write the scene in 5 sentences or less—just facts. 2) Feel then vs. now: Two short paragraphs—how it felt in the moment and how you see it today. 3) Lesson hunt: One line on what the “almost” taught you (skill, boundary, timing, preparation). 4) Next tiny experiment: One action you’ll try this week. As you write, lean on Tolle’s reminder about presence—notice thoughts without getting entangled. If you’re journaling in Stoic, open the weekly theme and respond directly to the prompt to keep your entry focused and brief.

I keep replaying the what-ifs of a close call. How do I journal about it without spiraling?

Use a split-page: left column = Facts; right column = Stories I’m telling. Fill the left with verifiable details; reserve the right for interpretations. Circle one story you’d like to soften, then rewrite it using MLK’s “finite disappointment, infinite hope.” Close with Kant’s trio: 1) Something to do (one step), 2) Someone to love (a check-in or gratitude line), 3) Something to hope for (a realistic, near-term hope). This anchors you in presence (Tolle) while honoring emotion. In Stoic, keep entries short and consistent—returning daily reduces rumination more than one long dump.

I feel both regret and relief about a career close call. How should I process that in my journal this week?

Give both feelings equal airtime. 1) Two lists: Regret taught me…; Relief protected me from…. 2) Self-compassion note (Weil): Write 4–5 lines to yourself as you would to a friend who took a brave swing. 3) Reframe with Emerson: “Every artist was first an amateur”—name one skill or reps you’ll build next. 4) Love and value check (Miller, Dr. Maguire): Write one sentence about what you care about more than the outcome, and how that guides your next step. End with one commitment for the week and one thing you’re letting go of. If you’re using the Stoic app, answer the “regret or relief” and “resilience or letting go” prompts on different days to let the mix of feelings settle over time.

On Close Calls

This week, we’ll revisit those “almost” moments and the lessons they leave behind.

August 24, 2025

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