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’ve mentioned before that I deal with anxiety and suffer from panic attacks. I’ve been finding ways to ground myself. One: I asked a friend who teaches yoga to walk me through a 10-minute meditation before a big day. It helped me to hear a friend’s reassuring voice. Two: I volunteer at Best Friends Los Angeles in the 24/7 kitten nursery. There’s nothing that calms me more than feeding a kitten a tiny bottle.
I share this because your calm center could be going to the beach, a hot cup of coffee, or your favorite TV show. Collect those items and use them whenever possible. I have a list on my desk that I call my mental health toolkit. What’s on it? Lighting a candle, reading, snuggling with my pets, short naps, working out. A really good meal.
I continue to grow my list as I hope you build yours. If you’d like to share yours, please email me. I’d love to know!
My Latest News
I have a few things I can’t announce yet, but can’t wait to share with you all! For the July/August 2024 issue of Writer’s Digest, I wrote about two writing software programs I love to use. I debated the Best Madonna Music Video over on the Great Pop Culture Debate. I’ll be signing books at the Burbank Book Festival on August 10 at 11am. Hope to see you there!
Check Out This...
VIDEO: Dog brings home rescued kitten out of the rain.
MOVIE: The Fall Guy. I adore a romcom that makes me laugh and genuinely root for the couple, especially when the couple is Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. It’s also a love letter to amazing stunt people.
MOVIE: Inside Out 2. This movie profoundly moved me and made me laugh and captures what it feels like to have a panic attack without inducing one.
BOOK: Annie LeBlanc Is Not Dead Yet by Molly Morris is a delightful supernatural romance that’s Gilmore Girls meets The Twilight Zone.
FUNDRAISER: Grand Gestures Bookstore is asking for donations to open a brick-and-mortar romance bookstore in Portland, Oregon.
Join Me for a Pep Rally! 👩🏻💻
For all my newsletter subscribers, I’m offering office hours every two months to chat, ask questions, get inspired, and leave feeling joyful and grateful.
Hope to see you at my first Pep Rally! Please note: I changed the time from my previous newsletter.
Date & Time: Jun 24, 2024 05:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Zoom Link // Meeting ID: 424 954 4932 // Passcode: 311823
I'm Grateful For...
Pride flags. My family and I recently went to Seattle for a wedding. We spotted so many Pride flags as we drove around the city. One of my twins said, “I know we can feel safe here.” In that moment, I understood the true power of a Pride flag—to say you are welcome, you are safe, you are loved. (Flag made by @transpainter)
