Welcome to Joy Ride, a monthly dose of joy, good things, creativity prompts, and gratitude by journalist and author Jennifer Chen. If you like it, please share this newsletter with someone who might like it too.
Your Pep Talk 💝
In my last newsletter, I shared the personal essay I wrote about my nonbinary kid. I got a lot of messages (and still getting them). Most were supportive. Some parents asked me questions. Some people shared their own journeys. And then, I got the hate messages. I won’t repeat them here, but suffice to say, it felt crappy.
After my 20th hate message, I decided that for every troll, I’d donate $5 to The Trevor Project. I announced my plan on social media, and other friends chipped in. We raised more than $400 for this important organization. It made my heart happy to turn the hurtful messages into something positive.
I share this because whenever something bad happens, look for a way to flip it into kindness. Drop off food at a pantry. Smile at a stranger. Write a thank you note to a mentor. Pay it forward. I promise it will come back to you in surprising ways.
My Latest News ✊🏽
This month, I turned in a revised draft of my book to my fantastic editor. For SELF, I interviewed Patrisse Cullors, one of the cofounders of Black Lives Matter. I was also proud that PFLAG National and The Trevor Project retweeted my Today essay.
Check Out This... 🏳️🌈
ARTICLE: My friend Debby Waldman wrote this wonderful New York Times Tiny Love Stories. She packs poignancy, humor, and love into 100 words.
MOVIE: Encanto (Disney+). My family and I watched this movie three times in one weekend, and I loved every second. The music is just as magical as the world.
TV SHOW: Queer Eye (Netflix). Season six does not disappoint. After each episode, I felt genuine hope in humanity.
NONPROFIT: Donate to The Trevor Project offers trained counseling services to LGBTQ youth. The message on their website—You deserve a welcoming, loving world—says it all.
I'm Grateful For...
Ziggy and Zoey. Last month, I gave away my beloved pug Chewie's treats. He passed in November and it took me a month to give away his things in my local Buy Nothing group. It was hard to say goodbye. One of the recipients of Chewie's treats kindly asked me if I would be interested in adopting a bonded pair of pugs from a friend who was looking for a good home for them. I said no, but could I see a picture of them? 😅
Two weeks ago, we adopted Zoey and Ziggy. They are silly, lovable, and have brought my family so much joy and snuggles.
All of this to say, sometimes when you give things away, you get a lot more back.