https://lestallion.com/collections/journal-notebook-for-morning-gratitude
What if the first five minutes of your morning could completely transform the rest of your day? Our deep dive into morning gratitude reveals exactly how this practice rewires your brain, creates physiological changes, and builds emotional resilience that carries you through life's challenges.
We explore fascinating research showing how gratitude practice literally lowers stress hormone levels and strengthens neural pathways connected to positive emotions. The science is clear: by deliberately steering your first thoughts toward appreciation rather than worry, you're setting a powerful blueprint for how you'll experience everything that follows.
Discover why physically writing gratitude (versus just thinking about it) creates deeper engagement and more lasting impact. We share real stories of transformation—from Sarah, whose scattered mornings became anchored in positivity, to Mark, who moved beyond surface-level gratitude to experiencing genuine mindfulness. Their experiences highlight how a high-quality journal can transform a "should do" into a meaningful ritual that becomes the highlight of your morning.
We also address common challenges like time constraints and repetition, providing practical solutions for integrating this practice seamlessly into even the busiest mornings. The conversation breaks down specific journal features that support habit-building, from premium paper that makes writing enjoyable to numbered pages that allow you to track your growth over time.
Ready to experience more positive days, better stress management, improved sleep, and increased life satisfaction? Start your morning gratitude practice today and watch how these intentional moments ripple through every aspect of your life.
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
All right.
So we're back for another deepdive, and today we're really
digging into something that can,I think, change the way you
experience your whole day, andthat is cultivating morning
gratitude.
Now, look, you're here with usbecause you want to cut through
the noise.
You don't want all the fluff,you just want the insights.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
So consider this your express lane to understanding
not just the how to of morninggratitude, but the why.
Why does this stuff reallymatter?
We're tapping into all sorts ofresearch on gratitude in
general.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
But we're also focusing on how pools like the
Lestallion Journal can make thisa real habit.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Right.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Something you actually stick with.
So we're on a mission here.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
We want to understand why morning gratitude is so
powerful, and we're going to seeif a well-designed journal can
truly help you build that habit.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
So let's get right to it.
Why is focusing on gratitudefirst thing in the morning such
a big deal?
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Well, you know it's interesting because the morning
is that time before the day hasreally gotten going.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Right.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
And it's really a powerful window to set your
mindset.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Your first thoughts.
They really kind of act as ablueprint for the day.
Wow, they affect your emotions,how you respond to challenges.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
Right.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Even how you handle stress throughout the day.
So it's about intentionallysetting a positive direction
internally.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
That makes sense.
So if those initial thoughtsare so influential, how does
gratitude fit into that?
Speaker 2 (01:22):
So morning gratitude is really about making a
conscious choice.
Okay, to steer your thoughtstowards what you appreciate,
what's positive in your life,even towards self-compassion.
Instead of instantly going toyour worries or your to-do list,
you're actively focusing onwhat you value.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
So you're kind of choosing the lens.
You're going to view the daythrough Exactly.
That's interesting what youvalue.
So you're kind of choosing thelens.
You're going to view the daythrough Exactly.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
That's interesting what kind of real, tangible
benefits can someone expect ifthey make that shift?
Well, the effects can be reallysignificant.
For example, there's researchlinking consistent gratitude
practice to lower levels ofcortisol.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Oh, wow, that's the stress hormone.
Yeah, everybody knows cortisol.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Right.
By focusing on what youappreciate, you shift your
brain's attention away fromthose potential threats and
anxieties.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Interesting.
So it's not just a feeling,it's a physiological change too,
yeah absolutely.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
It also helps build emotional resilience.
That positive outlook youcreate in the morning it becomes
like a buffer.
It helps you handle setbackswithout getting totally thrown
off course.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
You can kind of bounce back a little easier.
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
And perhaps most importantly, consistent
gratitude practice.
It's been shown to actuallystrengthen the neural pathways.
Oh, wow that are linked topositive emotions.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
So it's like rewiring your brain in a way, yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Leading to more happiness and a greater sense of
well-being overall.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Now, this is where the idea of gratitude journaling
comes in right.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
It's not just a quick thought.
It's something more.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
Right, it's more than just a fleeting thought.
While acknowledging thingsyou're grateful for mentally is
good Sure, writing those thingsdown in a journal really
solidifies the practice, makesit concrete.
Exactly, it makes yourreflection more deliberate and
it helps those feelings ofgratitude really take root.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
I like that analogy of planting a seed versus just
picturing one.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
It seems like a journal like the Listallion is
designed specifically for this.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Right.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
We know about the high quality paper, the smooth
writing experience.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
How do those features actually help someone make this
a consistent part of their life?
Speaker 2 (03:29):
You know, it's fascinating how the physical
aspects of something canactually support the mental
discipline, right whenjournaling feels smooth, almost
luxurious.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Yeah, you're naturally more likely to do it
regularly.
It feels good to do it Exactly.
High quality paper preventsthings like ink bleeding through
.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
Oh yeah, the little annoyances.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
Exactly which can make journaling feel like a
chore.
So you're removing thoseobstacles, yeah it makes that
daily reflection more enjoyable,less of a burden.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Now let's be real for a second Starting.
Any new morning routine can betough.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
It can.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
What are some of the common challenges people face
when they try to do morninggratitude?
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Well, time is a huge one.
Well, of course, mornings areoften rushed.
Speaker 2 (04:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
And it can feel like there's no room for anything
extra.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
And then mental fatigue is another big obstacle.
I can see that If you'realready feeling drained, adding
even a positive task can beoverwhelming.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
It's one more thing to do.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Yeah, and then there's the feeling of
repetition.
Like you're always listing thesame things.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Which can make it feel less genuine.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Right, like going through the motions.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
Exactly, and for people who are dealing with a
lot of emotional distress,focusing on gratitude can be a
real challenge.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
That makes sense.
So how do you suggest peopleovercome these challenges?
How do they make this a habitthat actually sticks?
Speaker 1 (04:51):
The key is to keep it simple, structured and easy to
do.
It shouldn't feel like thishuge, overwhelming task.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
And that's where a well-designed journal like the
Lestallion can really be helpful.
Speaker 2 (05:02):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
Now we know it doesn't have pre-written prompts
, but even just having thatdedicated space with a clear
format provides a naturalstructure.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
It's like creating a container for the practice
Exactly and features like thenumbered pages in the Lestallion
journal.
They're so useful because youcan easily track your progress
and even go back and look at oldentries.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
Oh, that's interesting.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
So if you're feeling stuck or like you're repeating
yourself, you can flip backthrough those pages and see all
the good things you've alreadyacknowledged.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
So it's like a reminder of all the positives
yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Yeah, and it can also reveal patterns in what you
appreciate which can give yousome real self awareness.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Okay, so we've talked about the journal, but let's
dig a little deeper into whyphysically writing in a journal
is more impactful than justthinking about gratitude.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
There's actually a fascinating connection between
the physical act of writing byhand and how our brains process
emotions.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
Okay.
Research suggests that writingby hand engages different neural
pathways than typing or justthinking about something.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
So it's a deeper level of engagement, exactly,
and that deeper engagement, itmakes those feelings of
gratitude more powerful, morereal.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
It's like a more embodied experience.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Yeah, and having a dedicated journal like the
Listallion gives you a specificand consistent place for that
practice.
It signals to your brain thisis my gratitude time.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Interesting.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Which makes it more likely to become a habit.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
So it's not just random thoughts here and there.
Right, you're really carvingout that space.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
And how does the ability to look back at past
entries, especially withsomething like numbered pages,
help reinforce that positivethinking?
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Well, when you think about it, being able to revisit
your past reflections in yourListallion journal, it actively
reinforces those positivethought patterns.
Okay, seeing a tangible recordof all the good things in your
life, especially when you'regoing through a tough time, it
can shift your perspective andremind you that even amidst
difficulty, there's still a lotto be grateful for.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
It's like proof of the good things.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
Yeah, it's concrete evidence of the positive aspects
of your experience.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
I like that the Lestallian Journal really
emphasizes its premium 120 GSMthick paper.
Why is that such a big deal fora gratitude journal?
Speaker 2 (07:19):
You know, it might seem like a small detail, but it
really impacts the wholeexperience.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
High quality, thicker paper like that ensures a
smooth writing experience.
The ink doesn't bleed throughRight and each page feels
substantial.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
More like a ritual.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Exactly, and when the physical process of writing is
enjoyable, you actually lookforward to your morning
reflection.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
It's about removing those little barriers to make it
as easy and pleasant aspossible.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So we've talked about the paper, the numbered pages.
Are there any other features ofthe Listallion journal that you
think are especially good forcultivating morning gratitude.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
The built-in table of contents is a really nice touch
.
Okay, you fill it out as you goand it turns your journal from
just a chronological list into aresource you can easily
navigate.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Oh, that's smart.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
So if you want to find entries about a specific
theme or from a certain periodin your life, the table of
contents makes it so easy.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
It's like an index.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Exactly, and then the physical design is really nice
too, oh yeah.
The different cover options.
They have soft cover, fauxleather choices and these
beautiful calming colors like areally nice ash gray black and a
juniper green.
And then they have hardcoveroptions and colors like a
classic brown.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
It makes you want to pick it up and use it, yeah,
feels good in your hands.
Now we always say features tellstories sell Right.
Do you have any personalstories about how using a
dedicated journal like theListallion for Mourning
Gratitude really made adifference for you or someone
you know?
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Definitely I have a good friend.
Let's call her Sarah.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
Who used to start her days feeling completely
scattered and overwhelmed.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
I've been there.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
She knew she should be practicing gratitude.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Right.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
But it always felt like just another chore.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Yeah, one more thing on the list.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Exactly yeah.
She decided to try a listalianjournal.
Okay, she really liked the softcover and she told me just
having that dedicated, beautifulnotebook made writing feel more
intentional.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
It's a signal to yourself that this is important.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Yeah, it felt less like a burden.
What she found really helpfulwas using the numbered pages to
track her entries Over time.
She could look back and see aphysical record of all the good
things she'd acknowledged evenon the hard days, and seeing
that really helped her shift herperspective.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
It's powerful to have that tangible record.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
It is.
It helped her develop a moreconsistently positive outlook.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
That's a great example of how the physical tool
can really support a mental.
It's powerful to have thattangible record it is.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
It helped her develop a more consistently positive
outlook.
That's a great example of howthe physical tool can really
support a mental and emotionalshift.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Yeah, it really can.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
And I'm thinking of my brother-in-law, mark.
Okay, he initially felt likehis gratitude entries were all
the same and really surfacelevel Okay.
But when he started using aLestallion journal, he found
that the smooth paper actuallymade him want to write in more
detail.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
That's interesting.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Because the writing experience was so pleasant.
Right, he took the time toexplain why he was grateful for
things.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
So he was more engaged with the process.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Yeah, and that made him more mindful and he started
to notice new things, toappreciate each day, little
things he hadn't seen before.
Oh wow, that dedicated spaceand the act of writing helped
him move beyond just listingthings to really feeling
gratitude.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
So for someone who's brand new to morning gratitude
journaling and maybe they have alist stallion journal ready to
go what would be a practical wayto start?
Speaker 2 (10:42):
I'd say keep it simple and consistent.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Set aside a few minutes each morning.
Even just five is a goodstarting point.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
Yeah, little steps.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
And just sit quietly with your journal.
Keep the Lostallion Journalsomewhere.
You can see it easily.
That way it's a visual reminder.
You can find gratitude promptsonline or in books, right, but
you can also just start byreflecting on what you're
grateful for right then andthere.
In that moment, yeah, and sincethe paper is so high quality.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Don't be afraid to write in detail about how you
feel.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
And as you get into the habit, make it a point to
use those numbered pages to lookback at your old entries.
You might be surprised by whatyou find.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
So what are some of the common mistakes people make
with gratitude journaling?
Speaker 2 (11:24):
One common one is just writing down the same few
things out of habit.
Having a dedicated space in anice journal can encourage you
to be more intentional and lookfor new things to appreciate.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
So it's about pushing yourself a little bit.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Yeah, another mistake is being too vague.
When you have a journal likethe Lestallion that's so nice to
write in Right, writing indetail doesn't feel like such a
chore.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
Right, it's a more pleasurable experience.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
Exactly, and then inconsistency is a big one.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
I can imagine.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
If you keep your journal where you can see it.
It's a daily reminder, andusing a well-made notebook makes
it feel more valuable, lesslikely to be skipped.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
It's less disposable.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Yeah, and finally, some people approach gratitude
like it's just another item ontheir to-do list.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Instead of a true reflection.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
Just checking it off.
Exactly Writing in a beautifuljournal encourages you to be
more mindful and connected toyour emotions.
It sounds like doing thisconsistently, especially with a
well-designed tool, can lead tosome really positive changes.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
It absolutely can.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Research shows that regular gratitude journaling is
linked to a more positivemindset, better stress
management and even better sleep.
Wow, when you focus on the good, you build resilience and
increase your overall lifesatisfaction.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
It's like a ripple effect.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
It is, and a journal like the Listallion can be a
great partner in making this aconsistent and effective part of
your life.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
So, as we wrap up this deep dive on morning
gratitude, what are the keytakeaways?
What do you want our listenersto remember?
Speaker 2 (12:52):
The most important thing is understanding the power
of starting your day withintention by focusing on
gratitude.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
OK.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
This isn't just a fad .
It's a practice that has realbenefits for your mental and
emotional health.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
And while the idea is simple, having a tool like the
Lestallian Journal can make abig difference in making it a
habit.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
Because of all those features we talked about.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
Exactly the quality, the thoughtful design, it all
adds up.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
This has been a really insightful conversation.
It shows how taking thoseintentional moments in the
morning can have a huge impact.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Yeah, it really can.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
And it leaves us with a final thought for you to
consider what if intentionallyfocusing on those small moments
of gratitude each morning couldcompletely change your whole
experience of life?
Speaker 2 (13:36):
It's a powerful question.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
It is Maybe exploring your own morning gratitude
ritual is the next step for you.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
I think that's a great idea.
All right.
So we're back for another deepdive, and today we're really
digging into something that can,I think, change the way you
experience your whole day, andthat is cultivating morning
gratitude.
Now, look, you're here with usbecause you want to cut through
the noise.
You don't want all the fluff,you just want the insights.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
So consider this your express lane to understanding
not just the how to of morninggratitude, but the why.
Why does this stuff reallymatter?
We're tapping into all sorts ofresearch on gratitude in
general.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
But we're also focusing on how pools like the
Lestallion Journal can make thisa real habit.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Right.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Something you actually stick with.
So we're on a mission here.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
We want to understand why morning gratitude is so
powerful, and we're going to seeif a well-designed journal can
truly help you build that habit.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
So let's get right to it.
Why is focusing on gratitudefirst thing in the morning such
a big deal?
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Well, you know it's interesting because the morning
is that time before the day hasreally gotten going.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Right.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
And it's really a powerful window to set your
mindset.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Your first thoughts.
They really kind of act as ablueprint for the day.
Wow, they affect your emotions,how you respond to challenges.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
Right.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Even how you handle stress throughout the day.
So it's about intentionallysetting a positive direction
internally.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
That makes sense.
So if those initial thoughtsare so influential, how does
gratitude fit into that?
Speaker 2 (01:22):
So morning gratitude is really about making a
conscious choice.
Okay, to steer your thoughtstowards what you appreciate,
what's positive in your life,even towards self-compassion.
Instead of instantly going toyour worries or your to-do list,
you're actively focusing onwhat you value.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
So you're kind of choosing the lens.
You're going to view the daythrough Exactly.
That's interesting what youvalue.
So you're kind of choosing thelens.
You're going to view the daythrough Exactly.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
That's interesting what kind of real, tangible
benefits can someone expect ifthey make that shift?
Well, the effects can be reallysignificant.
For example, there's researchlinking consistent gratitude
practice to lower levels ofcortisol.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Oh, wow, that's the stress hormone.
Yeah, everybody knows cortisol.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Right.
By focusing on what youappreciate, you shift your
brain's attention away fromthose potential threats and
anxieties.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Interesting.
So it's not just a feeling,it's a physiological change too,
yeah absolutely.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
It also helps build emotional resilience.
That positive outlook youcreate in the morning it becomes
like a buffer.
It helps you handle setbackswithout getting totally thrown
off course.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
You can kind of bounce back a little easier.
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
And perhaps most importantly, consistent
gratitude practice.
It's been shown to actuallystrengthen the neural pathways.
Oh, wow that are linked topositive emotions.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
So it's like rewiring your brain in a way, yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Leading to more happiness and a greater sense of
well-being overall.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Now, this is where the idea of gratitude journaling
comes in right.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
It's not just a quick thought.
It's something more.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
Right, it's more than just a fleeting thought.
While acknowledging thingsyou're grateful for mentally is
good Sure, writing those thingsdown in a journal really
solidifies the practice, makesit concrete.
Exactly, it makes yourreflection more deliberate and
it helps those feelings ofgratitude really take root.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
I like that analogy of planting a seed versus just
picturing one.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
It seems like a journal like the Listallion is
designed specifically for this.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Right.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
We know about the high quality paper, the smooth
writing experience.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
How do those features actually help someone make this
a consistent part of their life?
Speaker 2 (03:29):
You know, it's fascinating how the physical
aspects of something canactually support the mental
discipline, right whenjournaling feels smooth, almost
luxurious.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Yeah, you're naturally more likely to do it
regularly.
It feels good to do it Exactly.
High quality paper preventsthings like ink bleeding through
.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
Oh yeah, the little annoyances.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
Exactly which can make journaling feel like a
chore.
So you're removing thoseobstacles, yeah it makes that
daily reflection more enjoyable,less of a burden.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Now let's be real for a second Starting.
Any new morning routine can betough.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
It can.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
What are some of the common challenges people face
when they try to do morninggratitude?
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Well, time is a huge one.
Well, of course, mornings areoften rushed.
Speaker 2 (04:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
And it can feel like there's no room for anything
extra.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
And then mental fatigue is another big obstacle.
I can see that If you'realready feeling drained, adding
even a positive task can beoverwhelming.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
It's one more thing to do.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Yeah, and then there's the feeling of
repetition.
Like you're always listing thesame things.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Which can make it feel less genuine.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Right, like going through the motions.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
Exactly, and for people who are dealing with a
lot of emotional distress,focusing on gratitude can be a
real challenge.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
That makes sense.
So how do you suggest peopleovercome these challenges?
How do they make this a habitthat actually sticks?
Speaker 1 (04:51):
The key is to keep it simple, structured and easy to
do.
It shouldn't feel like thishuge, overwhelming task.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
And that's where a well-designed journal like the
Lestallion can really be helpful.
Speaker 2 (05:02):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
Now we know it doesn't have pre-written prompts
, but even just having thatdedicated space with a clear
format provides a naturalstructure.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
It's like creating a container for the practice
Exactly and features like thenumbered pages in the Lestallion
journal.
They're so useful because youcan easily track your progress
and even go back and look at oldentries.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
Oh, that's interesting.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
So if you're feeling stuck or like you're repeating
yourself, you can flip backthrough those pages and see all
the good things you've alreadyacknowledged.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
So it's like a reminder of all the positives
yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Yeah, and it can also reveal patterns in what you
appreciate which can give yousome real self awareness.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Okay, so we've talked about the journal, but let's
dig a little deeper into whyphysically writing in a journal
is more impactful than justthinking about gratitude.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
There's actually a fascinating connection between
the physical act of writing byhand and how our brains process
emotions.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
Okay.
Research suggests that writingby hand engages different neural
pathways than typing or justthinking about something.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
So it's a deeper level of engagement, exactly,
and that deeper engagement, itmakes those feelings of
gratitude more powerful, morereal.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
It's like a more embodied experience.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Yeah, and having a dedicated journal like the
Listallion gives you a specificand consistent place for that
practice.
It signals to your brain thisis my gratitude time.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Interesting.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Which makes it more likely to become a habit.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
So it's not just random thoughts here and there.
Right, you're really carvingout that space.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
And how does the ability to look back at past
entries, especially withsomething like numbered pages,
help reinforce that positivethinking?
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Well, when you think about it, being able to revisit
your past reflections in yourListallion journal, it actively
reinforces those positivethought patterns.
Okay, seeing a tangible recordof all the good things in your
life, especially when you'regoing through a tough time, it
can shift your perspective andremind you that even amidst
difficulty, there's still a lotto be grateful for.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
It's like proof of the good things.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
Yeah, it's concrete evidence of the positive aspects
of your experience.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
I like that the Lestallian Journal really
emphasizes its premium 120 GSMthick paper.
Why is that such a big deal fora gratitude journal?
Speaker 2 (07:19):
You know, it might seem like a small detail, but it
really impacts the wholeexperience.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
High quality, thicker paper like that ensures a
smooth writing experience.
The ink doesn't bleed throughRight and each page feels
substantial.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
More like a ritual.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Exactly, and when the physical process of writing is
enjoyable, you actually lookforward to your morning
reflection.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
It's about removing those little barriers to make it
as easy and pleasant aspossible.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So we've talked about the paper, the numbered pages.
Are there any other features ofthe Listallion journal that you
think are especially good forcultivating morning gratitude.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
The built-in table of contents is a really nice touch
.
Okay, you fill it out as you goand it turns your journal from
just a chronological list into aresource you can easily
navigate.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Oh, that's smart.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
So if you want to find entries about a specific
theme or from a certain periodin your life, the table of
contents makes it so easy.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
It's like an index.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Exactly, and then the physical design is really nice
too, oh yeah.
The different cover options.
They have soft cover, fauxleather choices and these
beautiful calming colors like areally nice ash gray black and a
juniper green.
And then they have hardcoveroptions and colors like a
classic brown.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
It makes you want to pick it up and use it, yeah,
feels good in your hands.
Now we always say features tellstories sell Right.
Do you have any personalstories about how using a
dedicated journal like theListallion for Mourning
Gratitude really made adifference for you or someone
you know?
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Definitely I have a good friend.
Let's call her Sarah.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
Who used to start her days feeling completely
scattered and overwhelmed.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
I've been there.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
She knew she should be practicing gratitude.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Right.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
But it always felt like just another chore.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Yeah, one more thing on the list.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Exactly yeah.
She decided to try a listalianjournal.
Okay, she really liked the softcover and she told me just
having that dedicated, beautifulnotebook made writing feel more
intentional.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
It's a signal to yourself that this is important.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Yeah, it felt less like a burden.
What she found really helpfulwas using the numbered pages to
track her entries Over time.
She could look back and see aphysical record of all the good
things she'd acknowledged evenon the hard days, and seeing
that really helped her shift herperspective.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
It's powerful to have that tangible record.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
It is.
It helped her develop a moreconsistently positive outlook.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
That's a great example of how the physical tool
can really support a mental.
It's powerful to have thattangible record it is.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
It helped her develop a more consistently positive
outlook.
That's a great example of howthe physical tool can really
support a mental and emotionalshift.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Yeah, it really can.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
And I'm thinking of my brother-in-law, mark.
Okay, he initially felt likehis gratitude entries were all
the same and really surfacelevel Okay.
But when he started using aLestallion journal, he found
that the smooth paper actuallymade him want to write in more
detail.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
That's interesting.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Because the writing experience was so pleasant.
Right, he took the time toexplain why he was grateful for
things.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
So he was more engaged with the process.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
Yeah, and that made him more mindful and he started
to notice new things, toappreciate each day, little
things he hadn't seen before.
Oh wow, that dedicated spaceand the act of writing helped
him move beyond just listingthings to really feeling
gratitude.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
So for someone who's brand new to morning gratitude
journaling and maybe they have alist stallion journal ready to
go what would be a practical wayto start?
Speaker 2 (10:42):
I'd say keep it simple and consistent.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Set aside a few minutes each morning.
Even just five is a goodstarting point.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
Yeah, little steps.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
And just sit quietly with your journal.
Keep the Lostallion Journalsomewhere.
You can see it easily.
That way it's a visual reminder.
You can find gratitude promptsonline or in books, right, but
you can also just start byreflecting on what you're
grateful for right then andthere.
In that moment, yeah, and sincethe paper is so high quality.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Don't be afraid to write in detail about how you
feel.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
And as you get into the habit, make it a point to
use those numbered pages to lookback at your old entries.
You might be surprised by whatyou find.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
So what are some of the common mistakes people make
with gratitude journaling?
Speaker 2 (11:24):
One common one is just writing down the same few
things out of habit.
Having a dedicated space in anice journal can encourage you
to be more intentional and lookfor new things to appreciate.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
So it's about pushing yourself a little bit.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Yeah, another mistake is being too vague.
When you have a journal likethe Lestallion that's so nice to
write in Right, writing indetail doesn't feel like such a
chore.
Speaker 1 (11:45):
Right, it's a more pleasurable experience.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
Exactly, and then inconsistency is a big one.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
I can imagine.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
If you keep your journal where you can see it.
It's a daily reminder, andusing a well-made notebook makes
it feel more valuable, lesslikely to be skipped.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
It's less disposable.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Yeah, and finally, some people approach gratitude
like it's just another item ontheir to-do list.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Instead of a true reflection.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
Just checking it off.
Exactly Writing in a beautifuljournal encourages you to be
more mindful and connected toyour emotions.
It sounds like doing thisconsistently, especially with a
well-designed tool, can lead tosome really positive changes.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
It absolutely can.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Research shows that regular gratitude journaling is
linked to a more positivemindset, better stress
management and even better sleep.
Wow, when you focus on the good, you build resilience and
increase your overall lifesatisfaction.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
It's like a ripple effect.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
It is, and a journal like the Listallion can be a
great partner in making this aconsistent and effective part of
your life.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
So, as we wrap up this deep dive on morning
gratitude, what are the keytakeaways?
What do you want our listenersto remember?
Speaker 2 (12:52):
The most important thing is understanding the power
of starting your day withintention by focusing on
gratitude.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
OK.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
This isn't just a fad .
It's a practice that has realbenefits for your mental and
emotional health.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
And while the idea is simple, having a tool like the
Lestallian Journal can make abig difference in making it a
habit.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
Because of all those features we talked about.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
Exactly the quality, the thoughtful design, it all
adds up.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
This has been a really insightful conversation.
It shows how taking thoseintentional moments in the
morning can have a huge impact.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Yeah, it really can.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
And it leaves us with a final thought for you to
consider what if intentionallyfocusing on those small moments
of gratitude each morning couldcompletely change your whole
experience of life?
Speaker 2 (13:36):
It's a powerful question.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
It is Maybe exploring your own morning gratitude
ritual is the next step for you.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
I think that's a great idea.
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