Journal Jar Ideas for Beginners

Journaling Can Be Intimidating

We often hear about the power of journaling—but let’s be honest…sometimes, journaling can feel a bit scary.

You may have tried to start a journal, only to find yourself intimidated by the blank page glaring back at you. Or, maybe you want to start a journal but can’t find the time to do it. Don’t worry!

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to journaling, and it may take some trial and error to get in the groove of things, with a little patience and perseverance, you can make journaling a practice that feels natural for you.

In this blog post, we explore a simple and unique way to start a journal. The main ingredient: a jar.

So, Why A Jar?

Did you know a jar can be used for more than just storing random things? If you’re new to journaling, using a jar is a great way to ease into the practice. Why a jar? Because:

• Jars can be any size. You choose which size to start based on your comfort level.
• You likely have more empty jars hanging around than empty journals.
• If you don’t have a jar, the same approach is flexible enough to work with an empty box, too.
• An empty jar can feel less intimidating than an empty page.
• It’s a fun and unique way to quickly document what’s on your mind, especially if you’re busy.

Ready to get started? We have two steps we recommend before jumping to the journal jar ideas.

Getting Started (Part I): Prepare Yourself

Despite this picture, you do not need to roll out the yoga mat and start practicing your downward dog. When we say “prepare yourself” it’s more about a mindset shift.

When most of us think of journaling, we picture sitting down with a pen and a lined notebook and writing down our deepest thoughts, feelings, and memories for long periods of time. Although journaling this way works for some, it doesn’t work for everyone. (Who has time to sit?)

In its simplest form, journaling is a personal activity that involves getting what’s in your head out of it.

It’s writing what’s on your mind. That may be your thoughts and feelings, but it can also be your ideas, experiences, dreams, goals, quotes, and even doodles. The beauty of journaling is there are no rules to journaling.

In fact, journaling is less about what you write and how long you write. It’s more about getting the things that are on your mind or causing you to worry and stress – out of your head. Why? Because when you write it out, you see and acknowledge it and can then explore and address it (if necessary). Plus, frequent brain dumps are great for your mental wellness!

Getting Started (Part II): Prepare Your Journal Jar

Before we dive into the journal jar ideas, let’s create our journal jar. Creating a journal jar is quick and easy! We share the basic materials and process right here: Create Your Own Journal In A Jar.

9 Engaging Journal Jar Ideas

So, you’re ready, and your jar is ready. Now what? Below are nine thoughtful and engaging journal jar ideas to jumpstart your journaling journey! Explore as many as you like to find the one that fits you best. The “right fit” is the journaling style that encourages you to write consistently and make journaling a part of your life.

1. Brainstorming

Use your jar for brainstorming ideas for a project, initiative, or solving a problem. Write down each idea on a slip of paper and drop it into the jar. Once the jar is full, take out the slips of paper, group like ideas, and act!  

2. Goals

Your journal jar can be a visual representation of your goals. Write down your goals on slips of paper and drop them into the jar. Periodically pull from the jar. As you accomplish each goal, celebrate! This will help you stay on track and motivated.

3. Memories

Fill your jar with memories from a past event or period in your life. Include things like photos, ticket stubs, notes, things you remember, etc. This will be a fun way to look back and recall all the details from that time in your life.

4. Dreams or Wishes

Keep your jar by your bed to write your dreams each morning. This can be a great way to track your dreams over time. You may even start to see patterns emerge. Or fill your jar with everything you wish for. As your wishes come true, remove them from the jar.  

5. Gratitude

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Fill your jar with things you are thankful for. Each day, add something new to the jar. When you are having a “valley experience” and feeling down, open the jar and read through everything you have worth being grateful for. This is a motivational way to remind yourself of the positive aspects of your life.

6. Quotes

Collect quotes that inspire you. This can be quotes from songs, books, movies, family, friend, or anything else that resonates with you. Write them down and drop them in your jar. Whenever you need some motivation or inspiration, open your jar and read through the quotes it contains.

7. Bucket List

Have you always wanted to skydive? Or visit every continent? Write down each of your bucket list items on a slip of paper and drop them into your jar. Pull from your jar whenever you need some inspiration for your next adventure.

8. Daily doodles

Sometimes words just aren’t enough or you just can’t think of what to write. That’s where doodling comes in! Doodling is writing in pictures. From shapes, and lines, to patterns and squiggles – doodling is a way to focus your mind. A daily doodle can do wonders! Grab a slip of a paper, doodle, and drop it into your jar. Periodically, refer back to your doodles. Do you remember what you were thinking at the time?

9. Thoughts and feelings

Think of journal jar idea as your daily self-check-ins. Grab a slip of paper, and write your response to the question: “What’s on your mind right now?”.  You can write a list of things, sentences, or even doodle! After writing, fold it up, and put it in your jar. Periodically, shuffle the pieces of paper in the jar, pick one out randomly, and read it. As you continue do this activity over days, weeks, or months you may start see some common themes emerging.

Bottom Line

There are endless possibilities when it comes to using jars for journaling purposes. Whether you are new to journaling or just want to change what you journal about, we hope this post provides some fun and unique journal jar ideas to help!

Additional suggestions:

• Always put a date on your slips of paper before you dive in. This is helpful when you refer back to what’s in your jar.

• When you’re low on time, try setting a timer for 3 – 5 minutes, journal, and stop when the timer sounds.

• Not sure what to write? See the section below for prompt ideas!

• Get as creative as you want! Break out the colored pencils, markers, and stickers! Add your unique style to your journal jar or the things you put into it.

Take Us On Your Journey

• Free resource: What’s In Your Journal Jar?
• Free resource: The Power of Doodling
• Random Prompt Generator