Hello, lovely readers! A quick note: I decided to transition Joy Ride into a monthly newsletter to properly dedicate the time to creating it.
Your Pep Talk ⭕️
At home, we have a “listening circle” with our daughters. Whoever calls the listening circle speaks first. Everyone else in the circle listens. We don’t interrupt. We take in the words, then we contribute. All feelings are valid. My daughters have told me when I’ve made them feel sad. I take the time to apologize. I admit when I’m frustrated or worried.
Readers, I created this community of joy seekers because I wanted to give you a place to go where you felt restored. I want you to know: All of your feelings are valid.
Who would you invite to your listening circle? How can you show up for them? What do you hear when you stop for a moment and listen?
My Latest News 🎙
I interviewed Georgia Senator Michelle Au about how we can help support the AAPI community in her home state. I sat down and talked with my friend Julie Norman about anti-Asian hate crimes on her podcast. Over on Poets & Writers, I share some advice about being a mother-writer, along with 11 mother-writers.
Check Out This...
POEM: “Instructions on Not Giving Up” by Ada Limón. This beautiful poem reflects on nature’s power to keep us going.
BOOK: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid is one of those reads that sticks with you long after you put it down.
TV SHOW: Nadiya Bakes on Netflix. Series 6 winner of The Great British Bake Off, Nadiya Hussain is an absolutely joy in the kitchen. Her energy is infectious.
ORGANIZATION: School on Wheels provides free tutoring and mentoring to Southern California students from kindergarten on 12th grade. My local bookstore is hosting a virtual Book Drive to purchase reading material for School on Wheels.
I'm Grateful For... 🌴
Nature. My family and I recently went to Palm Springs. We went on a short hike before the sun could bake us. I looked out at this gurgling stream and, for a moment, I felt peaceful. I hope this photo brings you that sense of calm, too.