No Way

The opposite of yes way.

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 🙅🏻‍♀️

For a long time, I said yes to everything. Social events I didn’t really want to go to, work I didn’t like, and I didn’t talk back when someone was rude to me.

During my pregnancy with twins, I continued to say yes to work when I wanted to say no. But I started responding to anyone who said, “Ugh, twins. Your life is over! Why would you do that yourself?” I’d tell them that after pregnancy loss, I am excited about what’s to come. Old Jenn would’ve laughed along, but soon-to-be mom Jenn wasn’t having it.

Today, I’m encouraging you to say no. No to what you don’t want to do. No to people who talk unkindly to you. No to obligations that are not essential to your well-being. It’s scary, but your time and mental health is worth a few nos.

I have the privilege now to turn down work or career opportunities. Younger Jenn didn’t.

I hope wherever you are in your life that you can assess what is a no for you and make it happen. I’m rooting for you!

Congrats to my indie bookstore giveaway winners! Thanks for sharing your stories of “I can do this.” 💪🏽⬇️

I was scheduled for surgery in December of 2020 during hospital lockdowns. I couldn’t have family or other visitors in the hospital with me. I had to go through the process, the surgery itself, and overnight recovery in a lonely, scary hospital room by myself… Still, the night before the surgery I kept telling myself I can do this. P.S. I am perfectly healthy now. —Andrea Stein

Ever since writing my first novel, which hadn’t seemed possible until it was, I keep pushing into new challenge (dual POV, dual timeline, YA, adults, even a screenplay) and it is such good practice in self-belief.—Emily Joy Howard

My Latest News 🌟

I got three glowing blurbs for my debut book, ARTIFACTS OF AN EX (coming fall 2023). I can’t tell you how surreal it feels to know other authors read my book.

“With an artist’s precision, Jennifer Chen shades the sweet, swoony sides of romance with the hilarity and heartbreak that often accompanies falling in love. Artifacts of an Ex is the perfect read for anyone who knows what it’s like to have big ambitions and a big heart.”—Brian D. Kennedy, A Little Bit Country

Thanks so much to Eric Smith, Laura Taylor Namey, and Brian D. Kennedy for the wonderful write-ups! 💖

Check Out This... 🫶🏽

TV SHOWS: If you want some laughs with heart, check out Reboot (Hulu), about the actors and crew rebooting a fictional 80s sitcom. If you need some hope, Gutsy (Apple TV) is an interview series, hosted by Hilary and Chelsea Clinton, that shines the light on people who are gutsy.

AUDIOBOOK: I’m learning so much from Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy. It’s a compassionate guide to parenting with an inherent belief that we are all good inside.

ORGANIZATION: I learned about Lions Camp Tatiyee when watching RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race when Kevin McHale raised money for it. The nonprofit enriches the lives of individuals with special needs by providing a life-changing free summer camp experience.

I'm Grateful For... 🎋

A writing date at Huntington Gardens. For weeks, I struggled to finish an outline for book #2. I met a friend to write in the Chinese Gardens. I had this beautiful view in front of me and suddenly I figured out how to finish my outline.

I hope it brings some natural beauty into your day.