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 can’t do this,” said my six-year-old. We’ve been struggling with bedtime sleep. He has a fear of bad dreams and hasn’t slept through the night. We ran through his Calm List (a collection of what’s soothing) and set up his bed with a reading corner.
Then, I made a verbal list of everything he said he couldn’t do and did.
He can’t finish folding laundry. He did. ✅
He can’t do the roller derby scrimmage. He could. ✅
He couldn’t tidy up all his toys. He did. ✅
The next morning, he slept through the night. We did a “I can do this” dance to celebrate.
I share this because the next time you struggle with something you don’t think you can possibly do, make a mental list of all the times you DID do something seemingly impossible. Sometimes, our brains and our fear need a reminder that we are capable.
My Latest News 🎉
Joy Ride turns 2! 🎉 To celebrate, I’m giving away two $25 gift certificates to an indie bookstore of your choice to two readers. To enter: Email me what you thought you couldn’t do, but did. I’ll randomly choose two winners and share their wins in the September newsletter.
I’m excited to reveal the cover for FIRST-YEAR ORIENTATION (out April 4, 2023!). Find out more book details on my website, including a peek into what inspired my YA short story and a playlist of the songs 🎶 I was obsessed with in college.
Check Out This... 💃🏻
ALBUM: We have been blessed with Beyonce’s new album AND Special by Lizzo. “In case nobody told you today, you’re special.”
CUTE MOMENT: Baby kisses dad back.
MOVIE: Wedding Season (Netflix) is a delightful romcom with gorgeous Indian weddings and fake dating. The cast dancing at the end is a must-see moment.
ESSAY: See the cute giant dogs. Stay for the swoon-worthy IRL romance! “I asked the universe for a sign that he was the right guy. Then I got one.”
FUNDRAISER: Donate a picture book from indie bookstore Books Are Magic to Brooklyn Book Bodega, a NYC literacy-based nonprofit.
I'm Grateful For... 😷
My health. My family and I had Covid this month. 🦠 It was my very first time and it was a doozy! But what it did give me is the grace to slow down and allow my body to heal, especially as I’m still dealing with Covid fatigue and brain fog. Thanks to my pugs, Ziggy and Zoey, and Gremmy, my cat, for resting with me and nursing me back to health. ❤️
Totally agree on that dynamic album duo. Lizzo likely album of the year (2022) for me. (Renaissance could be best album of this pre-endemic time.)