March 17, 2025 • 16 mins
https://lestallion.com/collections/journal-notebook-for-dads
Grab your pen and prepare for a journey into one of fatherhood's most powerful yet underutilized tools. We explore the transformative practice of journaling specifically designed for dads navigating the complex terrain of modern fatherhood.
What makes journaling uniquely beneficial for fathers? Beyond merely recording memories, we discover how putting pen to paper creates essential mental space for dads juggling work pressures and family responsibilities. Through real stories—like the workaholic who finally left his phone in the office after dinner—we witness how regular reflection can shift behaviors and strengthen family connections in profound ways.
We break down the difference between guided and freeform journaling approaches, offering practical insights for both journaling veterans and complete newcomers. Whether you're drawn to structured prompts that direct your thoughts or prefer the liberation of an empty page, you'll find actionable strategies to make journaling work within your busy schedule. Even five minutes of daily writing can yield remarkable results when approached consistently.
The conversation takes a powerful turn when we explore journaling as legacy-building. Those written reflections aren't just for processing today's emotions—they're creating a roadmap of wisdom, values, and memories that continue guiding your children long into the future. As one father discovered, the simple letters he wrote to his child became treasured possessions that maintained connection across time and distance.
Ready to transform your fatherhood experience through the simple act of putting thoughts on paper? Whether you use a specialized journal or any notebook at hand, the important thing is beginning. Start capturing those fleeting moments, processing the challenges, and creating a written legacy that will echo through generations to come.
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LeStallion offers premium PU leather journal notebooks for writing, dedicated to all those who are pursuing their dreams and goals, or nurturing their personal development and mental health.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everyone, welcome back.
Today we're going to dive intosomething that's been on my mind
lately Journaling specificallyfor dads.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Interesting.
You know those listallionjournals.
Seeing those really got methinking about the whole idea.
Why is journaling, you know,especially helpful for dads,
like regardless of the specificjournal you use?
Why do they say it's so good?
Speaker 2 (00:21):
That's a great question and you know it's
probably more relevant now thanever.
Dads today, I mean, they face aunique set of pressures.
You know, balancing work,family, personal time, all while
trying to be present andemotionally engaged.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
It's true.
It's like there's thisexpectation for dads to be
strong and stoic, which can'tmake it easy to you know,
process all the emotions thatcome with being a dad.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Yeah, absolutely Journaling.
It offers a safe space for dadsto sort of explore those
emotions without you knowfeeling judged.
It's like having a privateconversation with yourself where
you can be honest andvulnerable.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
So it's not just about, like you know, writing
down happy memories.
It's about unpacking the toughstuff too.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Exactly, it's acknowledging the full spectrum
of the experience of being afather the joys, frustrations,
anxieties, the triumphs, andfinding healthier ways to cope
with the challenges, becausethere's always challenges.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
You know, this reminds me of my brother-in-law,
mike.
He's a great dad, don't get mewrong, but he's also a total
workaholic, always on his phoneanswering emails at dinner.
You know the type.
Oh yeah, I've met a few.
So his wife she finallyconvinced him to try journaling.
She got him one of thoseLestallion journals for Father's
Day.
At first he was totallyresistant, but after a few weeks
(01:34):
he told me it was a gamechanger for him.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Interesting.
What did he say he found mostbeneficial about it?
Speaker 1 (01:39):
He said it helped him create mental space.
You know a way to detach fromwork and reconnect with himself
and his family.
Said the act of writing thingsdown forced him to slow down and
actually reflect on his day,made him realize how much he was
missing out on and get this, heactually started leaving his
phone in his office after dinner.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Wow, that's amazing.
That really speaks to the powerof journaling to like shift
behavior.
It's not just venting, it'sgaining self-awareness and using
that to actually make positivechanges.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Totally, and I think that's where some of the
features of those Lestallionjournals really come in handy.
For example, they use reallythick paper so you can write on
both sides without the inkbleeding through.
I know Mike likes to usedifferent pens, so that was a
big deal for him.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Oh interesting.
It's funny how those practicaldetails can actually enhance the
whole journaling experience.
You know, by removing thoselittle annoyances you're more
free to actually focus on thecontent and the emotional work.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Right.
They also have these numberedpages and a table of contents
which honestly at first Ithought was a little overkill,
but Mike said it helps himorganize his thoughts and find
specific entries later on.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Yeah, it makes sense, especially for dads who are
already juggling so much.
Having that structure can makejournaling feel less daunting
and more sustainable.
It becomes less of a chore andmore like a helpful tool.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
For sure.
Now, lestallion, they talkabout two main journaling styles
guided and free form.
So what's the difference andwhich one is better for dads?
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Well, neither one is inherently better, you know.
It really just depends on yourpersonality and goals.
Guided journaling, with itsprompts and questions, it's kind
of like having a personal coachin your pocket, which can be
super helpful for dads who arenew to journaling or want more
structure.
It takes the guesswork out ofwhat to write about and can
spark deeper reflection.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Oh, so it's like training wheels for your brain.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Ha ha.
In a way, yeah, it helps youdevelop the habit and explore
specific parts of your life.
For example, a prompt like whatmade you feel proud as a father
today can encourage you to.
You know, focus on the positiveand recognize your strengths.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
I like that because it's easy to get caught up in
the daily grind and forget toappreciate those little wins
exactly.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Gratitude journaling that's what it is.
It helps shift your perspectiveand sort of cultivate a more
positive mindset.
It's like hitting the mentalreset button, you know,
reminding you of what trulymatters okay, and what about
freeform journaling?
Well, freeform is more like ablank canvas.
It's about letting yourthoughts flow freely without any
constraints, which can beincredibly liberating,
(04:11):
especially for dads who areprocessing complex emotions or
just want to clear their heads.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
So it's like a mental detox.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
You could say that it's a way to release pent up
emotions, process stressfulevents or just untangle all
those jumbled thoughts thatbuild up throughout the day.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
You know, this whole thing reminds me of something
that happened with my dad a fewyears back.
He's a pretty traditional guy,not exactly the touchy-feely
type, but when my mom passedaway he started journaling Not
in any fancy journal, just aplain old notebook.
And he never really talkedabout what he wrote, but I could
see how much it helped him.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Hmm, that's a powerful example.
Sometimes, even withoutspecific prompts or techniques,
just the simple act of puttingpen to paper can be incredibly
therapeutic.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
For sure.
And for dads you know, whooften carry the weight of the
word on their shoulders, havingthat outlet can be a lifeline.
It's a way to process grief,find meaning and honor the
memories of their loved ones.
It's a way to process grief,find meaning and honor the
memories of their loved ones.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
It's a way to keep those connections alive even in
their absence.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
It really is.
And speaking of stayingconnected, Lestallion, they also
emphasize the importance ofusing journaling to actually
strengthen family bonds.
They even have a journalspecifically for father-daughter
relationships, which I think ispretty cool.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
It is, yeah, it provides this platform for open
dialogue and emotionalexpression, which can be
especially important duringthose tricky adolescent years
when communication betweenfathers and daughters can get a
little complicated.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
I bet it's probably a really good way for dads to
stay connected as theirdaughters grow up and face all
the all the challenges ofbecoming a young woman.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Absolutely, and it can be valuable for daughters
too.
It gives them a safe space toexpress how they feel, you know,
ask questions and seek guidancefrom their dads.
It builds that sense of trustand intimacy.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
OK, I'm convinced that's really cool, but let's
get back to like thepracticalities of journaling for
dads in general.
What are some specific thingsthat dads can actually write
about?
Speaker 2 (06:08):
Well, the possibilities are pretty much
endless.
You can track goals, brainstormideas, process difficult
emotions, you know documentmilestones or even just reflect
on your day.
Think of it as like a personaltoolkit for navigating
fatherhood okay, so say I'm abusy dad.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
I've got five minutes before I have to run out the
door for work.
What do I write?
Speaker 2 (06:31):
even five minutes can be helpful.
One simple but effectivetechnique is gratitude
journaling.
Just take a moment to writedown three things you're
grateful for.
You know related to being a dadcould be as simple as a hug
from your kid, a funny momentyou shared, or even just the
fact that you're healthy enoughto chase them around.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
That's a good idea.
It really is so easy to getcaught up in all the stress and
forget to just appreciate thegood stuff.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Exactly, gratitude journaling really helps you
shift perspective and, you know,cultivate a more positive
mindset.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
It's like that mental reset button reminding you of
and speaking of those littlemoments, I know Lestallion
emphasizes like capturing thosememories and milestones.
They have these prompts likewhat's your child's favorite
bedtime story, or describe amoment when you feel incredibly
proud of your child.
Speaker 2 (07:18):
Yeah, it's like creating a time capsule of your
fatherhood journey.
You know, years from now youcan look back on those entries
and relive those preciousmoments, even as your children
grow up and change.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
It's funny.
My dad used to write me letterswhen I was younger Not every
day, but he would leave them onmy pillow, sometimes little
notes about stuff I'd done,things we'd talked about, even
just silly jokes.
I kept them all.
I still read them every now andthen.
It's like having a little pieceof him with me.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Wow, that's a beautiful tradition.
It really speaks to the powerof the written word to create
those lasting connections acrosstime and distance.
A tangible expression of loveand presence.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
I never thought about it that way, but you're right,
it's like even when he wasn'tphysically there, those letters
were his way of being present inmy life.
Oh man, now I'm getting allemotional.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Haha.
That's the beauty of it, isn'tit?
Journaling can really tap intothose deep emotions and create a
space for reflection andconnection.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
For sure.
Ok, so we've talked aboutgratitude, capturing memories,
even communicating with kids,but what about, like journaling
for personal growth?
How can dads use it to become,you know, better versions of
themselves?
Speaker 2 (08:27):
Well, journaling can be an incredibly powerful tool
for self-discovery and personaldevelopment.
By, you know, exploring yourthoughts and feelings on paper,
you can gain a deeperunderstanding of your values,
your motivations, your goals asa father you know, this whole
conversation is making me thinkabout my friend David.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
He had a pretty tough childhood and when he became a
dad he was really determined tobreak the cycle of negativity
and be more present andsupportive than his own dad was.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
That's a common aspiration for many dads,
especially those who have had,you know, difficult upbringings.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Yeah, exactly so, david.
He started journaling as a wayto process his past and identify
any harmful patterns he mightbe repeating.
It was really tough going atfirst, but he said it was like
shining a light into the darkcorners of his mind.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
That's a great analogy.
Journaling can reallyilluminate our blind spots,
those unconscious beliefs andbehaviors that might be holding
us back.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
And for David it was a real turning point.
By confronting those innerdemons on paper, he was able to
free himself from their grip andcreate a more positive and
fulfilling experience offatherhood, both for himself and
for his kids.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
That's so inspiring.
It demonstrates the power ofjournaling to you know, heal old
wounds and create newpossibilities.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
It really does and I think it also speaks to the
courage it takes for dads to bevulnerable and confront those
challenging emotions andconfront those challenging
emotions, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
It's not always easy to face those difficult truths,
but it's often in thoseuncomfortable spaces that we
experience the greatest growth.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Okay, so we've talked about a lot of different ways
that dads can use journalingfrom gratitude and memory
keeping to personal growth andbuilding relationships.
But let's be real most dads aresuper time crunched.
How do we make journaling ahabit that we can actually stick
with?
Speaker 2 (10:10):
Well, consistency is key, but it doesn't have to be
overwhelming.
Even five or 10 minutes a daycan make a huge difference.
The key is to find a time andplace that works for you, and
try your best to stick to it.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
So, like first thing in the morning with a cup of
coffee, or maybe right beforebed to wind down.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Exactly, or even during your lunch break at work.
The important thing is to makeit part of your routine, just
like brushing your teeth ortaking a shower.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
And I know Lestallion also suggests keeping the
journal somewhere visible like areminder.
So instead of tucking it awayin a drawer, maybe leave it on
your nightstand or your desk.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
That's a great tip.
Out of sight, out of mind,right by keeping it visible,
you're more likely to rememberto use it.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
And those little visual cues can be surprisingly
powerful motivators.
I'm also a big fan of thebookmark ribbon.
It helps me pick up right whereI left off without having to
flip through pages.
It's those little details thatmake it feel less like a chore
and more like a welcome ritual.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
It's about creating an experience that's, you know,
inviting and enjoyable, becauseif you don't enjoy it, you're
less likely to stick with it.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
And that brings us to another challenge writer's
block.
What happens when you sit downwith your journal and your mind
just goes blank?
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Oh yeah, writer's block.
It's totally normal, even forexperienced journalers.
The key is to not let it stopyou.
Sometimes the best thing to dois just start writing, even if
it's just a stream ofconsciousness.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Don't worry about grammar or punctuation, just let
those thoughts flow out so,like a brain dump, just let it
all out, even if it doesn't makesense exactly think of it as
decluttering your mind.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Once you get those initial thoughts out, then you
can start to organize them andmake sense of them.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
That's a good tip, and if you're still stuck, there
are always prompts to fall backon.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
For sure.
Prompts can be a great way toget your writing going and
explore different aspects ofyour experience as a dad.
And don't be afraid to getcreative.
You can use prompts to writepoems, stories, even song lyrics
, whatever comes to mind.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
Okay, so we've covered a lot of ground here.
We've talked about the benefitsof journaling, different
techniques, how to make it ahabit, how to deal with writer's
block, but I want to circleback to something we mentioned
earlier the idea of legacy.
What role can journaling playin creating a lasting legacy for
our kids?
Speaker 2 (12:27):
That's a really powerful question and I think
it's something that resonatesdeeply with a lot of fathers.
You know, we want to leavebehind more than just material
possessions.
We want to pass on our values,our wisdom, our stories, and
journaling can be a reallypowerful way to do that.
Speaker 1 (12:42):
It's like creating a treasure map for our kids,
guiding them through life'schallenges and triumphs even
after we're gone.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Exactly.
By sharing our experiences, ourstruggles, our triumphs, we're
offering them a roadmap fortheir own journeys.
We're showing them that it'sokay to be vulnerable, to make
mistakes, to embrace all oflife's experiences.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
It's like, by sharing our stories, we're giving them
permission to write their own.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
Precisely, and in doing so we're creating this
ripple effect that extends farbeyond our own lifetimes.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
That's such a powerful thought it's like.
By investing in our ownpersonal growth through
journaling, we're also investingin the future generations.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
Exactly.
It's a legacy of love, wisdom,connection that continues to
unfold long after we're gone.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
Okay, that's a beautiful way to think about it.
Now, before we wrap up thispart of the deep dive, I want to
leave our listeners withsomething to think about.
Imagine you're holding yourjournal ready to write.
Listeners with something tothink about.
Imagine you're holding yourjournal ready to write.
What's the one story, the onepiece of wisdom you want to pass
down to your children?
Speaker 2 (13:45):
That's a great question to reflect on.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
It really gets to the heart of why we journal, you
know, to connect with ourselves,to understand our experiences
and to share our stories withthe people who matter most, and
by doing so, we're creating alegacy that goes beyond time and
space, a legacy that willcontinue to inspire and guide
our children long after we'regone.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
Yeah, it's funny, isn't it?
We tend to think about legacylike it's all about these big
achievements and heroic things.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
Right.
Saving the world, building amassive company.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
Yeah, exactly, but really I think the most powerful
legacies they're built on thoseeveryday moments of you know,
connection and love.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
The small things that , when you add them all up, make
a life well lived.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Exactly, and those are the moments that journaling
helps us actually capture andappreciate.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
It's true.
This reminds me, actually, of atime when my daughter was about
four years old.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
What happened?
Speaker 1 (14:38):
While she was going through this phase where she was
just completely obsessed withbugs.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
Oh, kids and bugs, right, they're fascinated by the
weirdest things.
Oh totally.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
Anyway, one afternoon we were walking home from the
park and she just stopped deadin her tracks.
She was staring so intently atthis tiny little ant carrying a
crumb across the sidewalk.
Speaker 2 (14:59):
Ah, I can see it now.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
Right, she crouched down, just totally mesmerized
and whispered look Daddy, he'sso strong.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
Oh, that's so sweet.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
It was, and I realized in that moment that the
world is just full of wonder ifyou just slow down and look for
it.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
It really is, and that's definitely a lesson worth
passing down.
Speaker 1 (15:17):
For sure, I wrote about it in my journal that
night.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
And.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
I know I'll always cherish that memory.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
And someday you can share that story with her.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
Exactly.
It's a good reminder that themost important things in life
they aren't always the you know,the biggest or flashiest things
.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
No, they're often the simplest, quietest, easiest to
miss if you're not payingattention.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
And journaling.
It helps us do that Slow downand pay attention.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
Helps us shift our focus from you know what we're
chasing to what we already have.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
And that, I think, is really the core of a truly
meaningful legacy.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Being present, being grateful and then sharing those
values with our children.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
So, as we wrap up this deep dive on journaling for
dads, I want to encourage everydad out there.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Just give it a try.
Doesn't matter if you use afancy listallion journal or just
a plain notebook.
The important thing is to makeit a part of your routine.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
Even a few minutes each day can make a difference.
Speaker 2 (16:11):
Write about the things that bring you joy, the
struggles you face, your hopesfor the future anything really.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
Capture those little moments, doesn't matter how big
or small.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
Use it as a way to understand yourself better, grow
and connect with your kids on adeeper level.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
And remember, you're not just writing for you.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
You're building a legacy of love and wisdom that
will impact generations to come.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive, everyone.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
It's been a pleasure exploring this topic with you.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
And until next time, keep writing your story.
Hey everyone, welcome back.
Today we're going to dive intosomething that's been on my mind
lately Journaling specificallyfor dads.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Interesting.
You know those listallionjournals.
Seeing those really got methinking about the whole idea.
Why is journaling, you know,especially helpful for dads,
like regardless of the specificjournal you use?
Why do they say it's so good?
Speaker 2 (00:21):
That's a great question and you know it's
probably more relevant now thanever.
Dads today, I mean, they face aunique set of pressures.
You know, balancing work,family, personal time, all while
trying to be present andemotionally engaged.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
It's true.
It's like there's thisexpectation for dads to be
strong and stoic, which can'tmake it easy to you know,
process all the emotions thatcome with being a dad.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Yeah, absolutely Journaling.
It offers a safe space for dadsto sort of explore those
emotions without you knowfeeling judged.
It's like having a privateconversation with yourself where
you can be honest andvulnerable.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
So it's not just about, like you know, writing
down happy memories.
It's about unpacking the toughstuff too.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Exactly, it's acknowledging the full spectrum
of the experience of being afather the joys, frustrations,
anxieties, the triumphs, andfinding healthier ways to cope
with the challenges, becausethere's always challenges.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
You know, this reminds me of my brother-in-law,
mike.
He's a great dad, don't get mewrong, but he's also a total
workaholic, always on his phoneanswering emails at dinner.
You know the type.
Oh yeah, I've met a few.
So his wife she finallyconvinced him to try journaling.
She got him one of thoseLestallion journals for Father's
Day.
At first he was totallyresistant, but after a few weeks
(01:34):
he told me it was a gamechanger for him.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Interesting.
What did he say he found mostbeneficial about it?
Speaker 1 (01:39):
He said it helped him create mental space.
You know a way to detach fromwork and reconnect with himself
and his family.
Said the act of writing thingsdown forced him to slow down and
actually reflect on his day,made him realize how much he was
missing out on and get this, heactually started leaving his
phone in his office after dinner.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Wow, that's amazing.
That really speaks to the powerof journaling to like shift
behavior.
It's not just venting, it'sgaining self-awareness and using
that to actually make positivechanges.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Totally, and I think that's where some of the
features of those Lestallionjournals really come in handy.
For example, they use reallythick paper so you can write on
both sides without the inkbleeding through.
I know Mike likes to usedifferent pens, so that was a
big deal for him.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Oh interesting.
It's funny how those practicaldetails can actually enhance the
whole journaling experience.
You know, by removing thoselittle annoyances you're more
free to actually focus on thecontent and the emotional work.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Right.
They also have these numberedpages and a table of contents
which honestly at first Ithought was a little overkill,
but Mike said it helps himorganize his thoughts and find
specific entries later on.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Yeah, it makes sense, especially for dads who are
already juggling so much.
Having that structure can makejournaling feel less daunting
and more sustainable.
It becomes less of a chore andmore like a helpful tool.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
For sure.
Now, lestallion, they talkabout two main journaling styles
guided and free form.
So what's the difference andwhich one is better for dads?
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Well, neither one is inherently better, you know.
It really just depends on yourpersonality and goals.
Guided journaling, with itsprompts and questions, it's kind
of like having a personal coachin your pocket, which can be
super helpful for dads who arenew to journaling or want more
structure.
It takes the guesswork out ofwhat to write about and can
spark deeper reflection.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Oh, so it's like training wheels for your brain.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Ha ha.
In a way, yeah, it helps youdevelop the habit and explore
specific parts of your life.
For example, a prompt like whatmade you feel proud as a father
today can encourage you to.
You know, focus on the positiveand recognize your strengths.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
I like that because it's easy to get caught up in
the daily grind and forget toappreciate those little wins
exactly.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Gratitude journaling that's what it is.
It helps shift your perspectiveand sort of cultivate a more
positive mindset.
It's like hitting the mentalreset button, you know,
reminding you of what trulymatters okay, and what about
freeform journaling?
Well, freeform is more like ablank canvas.
It's about letting yourthoughts flow freely without any
constraints, which can beincredibly liberating,
(04:11):
especially for dads who areprocessing complex emotions or
just want to clear their heads.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
So it's like a mental detox.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
You could say that it's a way to release pent up
emotions, process stressfulevents or just untangle all
those jumbled thoughts thatbuild up throughout the day.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
You know, this whole thing reminds me of something
that happened with my dad a fewyears back.
He's a pretty traditional guy,not exactly the touchy-feely
type, but when my mom passedaway he started journaling Not
in any fancy journal, just aplain old notebook.
And he never really talkedabout what he wrote, but I could
see how much it helped him.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Hmm, that's a powerful example.
Sometimes, even withoutspecific prompts or techniques,
just the simple act of puttingpen to paper can be incredibly
therapeutic.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
For sure.
And for dads you know, whooften carry the weight of the
word on their shoulders, havingthat outlet can be a lifeline.
It's a way to process grief,find meaning and honor the
memories of their loved ones.
It's a way to process grief,find meaning and honor the
memories of their loved ones.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
It's a way to keep those connections alive even in
their absence.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
It really is.
And speaking of stayingconnected, Lestallion, they also
emphasize the importance ofusing journaling to actually
strengthen family bonds.
They even have a journalspecifically for father-daughter
relationships, which I think ispretty cool.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
It is, yeah, it provides this platform for open
dialogue and emotionalexpression, which can be
especially important duringthose tricky adolescent years
when communication betweenfathers and daughters can get a
little complicated.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
I bet it's probably a really good way for dads to
stay connected as theirdaughters grow up and face all
the all the challenges ofbecoming a young woman.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Absolutely, and it can be valuable for daughters
too.
It gives them a safe space toexpress how they feel, you know,
ask questions and seek guidancefrom their dads.
It builds that sense of trustand intimacy.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
OK, I'm convinced that's really cool, but let's
get back to like thepracticalities of journaling for
dads in general.
What are some specific thingsthat dads can actually write
about?
Speaker 2 (06:08):
Well, the possibilities are pretty much
endless.
You can track goals, brainstormideas, process difficult
emotions, you know documentmilestones or even just reflect
on your day.
Think of it as like a personaltoolkit for navigating
fatherhood okay, so say I'm abusy dad.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
I've got five minutes before I have to run out the
door for work.
What do I write?
Speaker 2 (06:31):
even five minutes can be helpful.
One simple but effectivetechnique is gratitude
journaling.
Just take a moment to writedown three things you're
grateful for.
You know related to being a dadcould be as simple as a hug
from your kid, a funny momentyou shared, or even just the
fact that you're healthy enoughto chase them around.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
That's a good idea.
It really is so easy to getcaught up in all the stress and
forget to just appreciate thegood stuff.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Exactly, gratitude journaling really helps you
shift perspective and, you know,cultivate a more positive
mindset.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
It's like that mental reset button reminding you of
and speaking of those littlemoments, I know Lestallion
emphasizes like capturing thosememories and milestones.
They have these prompts likewhat's your child's favorite
bedtime story, or describe amoment when you feel incredibly
proud of your child.
Speaker 2 (07:18):
Yeah, it's like creating a time capsule of your
fatherhood journey.
You know, years from now youcan look back on those entries
and relive those preciousmoments, even as your children
grow up and change.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
It's funny.
My dad used to write me letterswhen I was younger Not every
day, but he would leave them onmy pillow, sometimes little
notes about stuff I'd done,things we'd talked about, even
just silly jokes.
I kept them all.
I still read them every now andthen.
It's like having a little pieceof him with me.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Wow, that's a beautiful tradition.
It really speaks to the powerof the written word to create
those lasting connections acrosstime and distance.
A tangible expression of loveand presence.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
I never thought about it that way, but you're right,
it's like even when he wasn'tphysically there, those letters
were his way of being present inmy life.
Oh man, now I'm getting allemotional.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Haha.
That's the beauty of it, isn'tit?
Journaling can really tap intothose deep emotions and create a
space for reflection andconnection.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
For sure.
Ok, so we've talked aboutgratitude, capturing memories,
even communicating with kids,but what about, like journaling
for personal growth?
How can dads use it to become,you know, better versions of
themselves?
Speaker 2 (08:27):
Well, journaling can be an incredibly powerful tool
for self-discovery and personaldevelopment.
By, you know, exploring yourthoughts and feelings on paper,
you can gain a deeperunderstanding of your values,
your motivations, your goals asa father you know, this whole
conversation is making me thinkabout my friend David.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
He had a pretty tough childhood and when he became a
dad he was really determined tobreak the cycle of negativity
and be more present andsupportive than his own dad was.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
That's a common aspiration for many dads,
especially those who have had,you know, difficult upbringings.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Yeah, exactly so, david.
He started journaling as a wayto process his past and identify
any harmful patterns he mightbe repeating.
It was really tough going atfirst, but he said it was like
shining a light into the darkcorners of his mind.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
That's a great analogy.
Journaling can reallyilluminate our blind spots,
those unconscious beliefs andbehaviors that might be holding
us back.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
And for David it was a real turning point.
By confronting those innerdemons on paper, he was able to
free himself from their grip andcreate a more positive and
fulfilling experience offatherhood, both for himself and
for his kids.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
That's so inspiring.
It demonstrates the power ofjournaling to you know, heal old
wounds and create newpossibilities.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
It really does and I think it also speaks to the
courage it takes for dads to bevulnerable and confront those
challenging emotions andconfront those challenging
emotions, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
It's not always easy to face those difficult truths,
but it's often in thoseuncomfortable spaces that we
experience the greatest growth.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Okay, so we've talked about a lot of different ways
that dads can use journalingfrom gratitude and memory
keeping to personal growth andbuilding relationships.
But let's be real most dads aresuper time crunched.
How do we make journaling ahabit that we can actually stick
with?
Speaker 2 (10:10):
Well, consistency is key, but it doesn't have to be
overwhelming.
Even five or 10 minutes a daycan make a huge difference.
The key is to find a time andplace that works for you, and
try your best to stick to it.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
So, like first thing in the morning with a cup of
coffee, or maybe right beforebed to wind down.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Exactly, or even during your lunch break at work.
The important thing is to makeit part of your routine, just
like brushing your teeth ortaking a shower.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
And I know Lestallion also suggests keeping the
journal somewhere visible like areminder.
So instead of tucking it awayin a drawer, maybe leave it on
your nightstand or your desk.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
That's a great tip.
Out of sight, out of mind,right by keeping it visible,
you're more likely to rememberto use it.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
And those little visual cues can be surprisingly
powerful motivators.
I'm also a big fan of thebookmark ribbon.
It helps me pick up right whereI left off without having to
flip through pages.
It's those little details thatmake it feel less like a chore
and more like a welcome ritual.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
It's about creating an experience that's, you know,
inviting and enjoyable, becauseif you don't enjoy it, you're
less likely to stick with it.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
And that brings us to another challenge writer's
block.
What happens when you sit downwith your journal and your mind
just goes blank?
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Oh yeah, writer's block.
It's totally normal, even forexperienced journalers.
The key is to not let it stopyou.
Sometimes the best thing to dois just start writing, even if
it's just a stream ofconsciousness.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Don't worry about grammar or punctuation, just let
those thoughts flow out so,like a brain dump, just let it
all out, even if it doesn't makesense exactly think of it as
decluttering your mind.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Once you get those initial thoughts out, then you
can start to organize them andmake sense of them.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
That's a good tip, and if you're still stuck, there
are always prompts to fall backon.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
For sure.
Prompts can be a great way toget your writing going and
explore different aspects ofyour experience as a dad.
And don't be afraid to getcreative.
You can use prompts to writepoems, stories, even song lyrics
, whatever comes to mind.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
Okay, so we've covered a lot of ground here.
We've talked about the benefitsof journaling, different
techniques, how to make it ahabit, how to deal with writer's
block, but I want to circleback to something we mentioned
earlier the idea of legacy.
What role can journaling playin creating a lasting legacy for
our kids?
Speaker 2 (12:27):
That's a really powerful question and I think
it's something that resonatesdeeply with a lot of fathers.
You know, we want to leavebehind more than just material
possessions.
We want to pass on our values,our wisdom, our stories, and
journaling can be a reallypowerful way to do that.
Speaker 1 (12:42):
It's like creating a treasure map for our kids,
guiding them through life'schallenges and triumphs even
after we're gone.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Exactly.
By sharing our experiences, ourstruggles, our triumphs, we're
offering them a roadmap fortheir own journeys.
We're showing them that it'sokay to be vulnerable, to make
mistakes, to embrace all oflife's experiences.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
It's like, by sharing our stories, we're giving them
permission to write their own.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
Precisely, and in doing so we're creating this
ripple effect that extends farbeyond our own lifetimes.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
That's such a powerful thought it's like.
By investing in our ownpersonal growth through
journaling, we're also investingin the future generations.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
Exactly.
It's a legacy of love, wisdom,connection that continues to
unfold long after we're gone.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
Okay, that's a beautiful way to think about it.
Now, before we wrap up thispart of the deep dive, I want to
leave our listeners withsomething to think about.
Imagine you're holding yourjournal ready to write.
Listeners with something tothink about.
Imagine you're holding yourjournal ready to write.
What's the one story, the onepiece of wisdom you want to pass
down to your children?
Speaker 2 (13:45):
That's a great question to reflect on.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
It really gets to the heart of why we journal, you
know, to connect with ourselves,to understand our experiences
and to share our stories withthe people who matter most, and
by doing so, we're creating alegacy that goes beyond time and
space, a legacy that willcontinue to inspire and guide
our children long after we'regone.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
Yeah, it's funny, isn't it?
We tend to think about legacylike it's all about these big
achievements and heroic things.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
Right.
Saving the world, building amassive company.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
Yeah, exactly, but really I think the most powerful
legacies they're built on thoseeveryday moments of you know,
connection and love.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
The small things that , when you add them all up, make
a life well lived.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Exactly, and those are the moments that journaling
helps us actually capture andappreciate.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
It's true.
This reminds me, actually, of atime when my daughter was about
four years old.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
What happened?
Speaker 1 (14:38):
While she was going through this phase where she was
just completely obsessed withbugs.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
Oh, kids and bugs, right, they're fascinated by the
weirdest things.
Oh totally.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
Anyway, one afternoon we were walking home from the
park and she just stopped deadin her tracks.
She was staring so intently atthis tiny little ant carrying a
crumb across the sidewalk.
Speaker 2 (14:59):
Ah, I can see it now.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
Right, she crouched down, just totally mesmerized
and whispered look Daddy, he'sso strong.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
Oh, that's so sweet.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
It was, and I realized in that moment that the
world is just full of wonder ifyou just slow down and look for
it.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
It really is, and that's definitely a lesson worth
passing down.
Speaker 1 (15:17):
For sure, I wrote about it in my journal that
night.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
And.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
I know I'll always cherish that memory.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
And someday you can share that story with her.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
Exactly.
It's a good reminder that themost important things in life
they aren't always the you know,the biggest or flashiest things
.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
No, they're often the simplest, quietest, easiest to
miss if you're not payingattention.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
And journaling.
It helps us do that Slow downand pay attention.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
Helps us shift our focus from you know what we're
chasing to what we already have.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
And that, I think, is really the core of a truly
meaningful legacy.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Being present, being grateful and then sharing those
values with our children.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
So, as we wrap up this deep dive on journaling for
dads, I want to encourage everydad out there.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Just give it a try.
Doesn't matter if you use afancy listallion journal or just
a plain notebook.
The important thing is to makeit a part of your routine.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
Even a few minutes each day can make a difference.
Speaker 2 (16:11):
Write about the things that bring you joy, the
struggles you face, your hopesfor the future anything really.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
Capture those little moments, doesn't matter how big
or small.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
Use it as a way to understand yourself better, grow
and connect with your kids on adeeper level.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
And remember, you're not just writing for you.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
You're building a legacy of love and wisdom that
will impact generations to come.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive, everyone.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
It's been a pleasure exploring this topic with you.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
And until next time, keep writing your story.
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