Welcome to Joy Ride, a monthly dose of joy, good things, creativity prompts, and gratitude by writer Jennifer Chen. If you like it, please share this newsletter with someone who might like it too.
Your Pep Talk
I’ll be honest. I struggled with how to showcase joy when the news has been so bleak.
So, I’ll share, how I found a moment of joy. On Monday, after we put our kids to bed, one twin hopped out of bed. She wanted me to come check on her in five minutes. My tired self inwardly groaned, but my present self said, a parent today can’t do that with their kid. Enjoy this moment.
After five minutes, I went in. She gripped my arm. I leaned in and kissed the top of her head. I inhaled her scent. She said, “I love you, mommy.” I whispered the same and kissed her again.
How do we find joy in dark times? Seek moments that remind you are a JOY. That this one messy, exhausting life is yours. That good can be slammed against heartache. We are a JOY. Don’t let the dark extinguish your light.
My Latest News
My short story, “Pearls of Wisdom,” is featured in First-Year Orientation, a YA anthology of short stories set at the same fictional college from some fantastic authors. The book comes out April 4 in hardcover and paperback. It was so fun to pretend to go back to college.
Check Out This...
BLOOPER: For 10 seconds of happiness, watch this deleted scene from Everything Everywhere All At Once. I’ve watched it at least 10 times.
TV SHOW: Top Chef Season 20. Top Chef winners and finalists from around the world compete in London. I just love watching talented people cook.
BOOK: Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Dr. Becky Kennedy. I read a lot of parenting books, but I actually use this book and it has made a huge difference in my life.
ORGANIZATION: Consider donating to OpenBooks, which provides gender-inclusive picture books to public school libraries. Donate to Everytown for gun safety. Send an email to the Tennessee Finance Committee to vote no on SB1503, which would lower permitless carry from 21 to 18 years old.
I'm Grateful For...
Spending time with butterflies. My family and I went to the Natural History Museum and got tickets for the Butterfly Pavilion. We spent time in this beautiful enclosure surrounded by colorful butterflies. I learned there that butterflies have short lives so several generations cycle through from March through August when the exhibit closes.