Welcome to Joy Ride, a monthly dose of joy, good things, creativity prompts, and gratitude by journalist and author Jennifer Chen. If you like it, please share this newsletter with someone who might like it too.
Your Pep Talk 🤯
I MET OPRAH WINFREY (on Zoom)! She hosts a monthly “The Life You Want” class, focused on a different value. February’s value is integrity and the special guest was author Martha Beck. I participated with 15 other students for an hourlong discussion.
One writing exercise I wanted to share with you. Martha Beck asked us: “What do you want? Make a list.” The first thing I wrote was “beach house.” A few minutes later, she asked: “The thing you want, what do you actually yearn for?”
I wrote: Silence, walking, being comfortable with myself, finding peace. Oprah called on me and I shared my answer. She said, “That’s very interesting.”
Take a moment to make your list and see what pops up for you. Please feel free to share with me. I’m curious what you write!
My Latest News 👩🏻💻
I can sum up my experience talking to Oprah as: 🤩😭 👑🪄. You can view the Integrity class here. I share details on how you can take the class.
Check Out This... 😃
ARTICLE: My friend Claire Sibonney wrote this celebration of grey pride, and I just loved it: “We Need to Talk About Miranda’s Dye Job In And Just Like That…”
APP: Duolingo. I’m learning Mandarin Chinese and French through daily lessons in Duolingo, and it’s quick, simple, and fun.
TV SHOW: Abbott Elementary (Hulu) is one of those feel-good shows that is pure perfection and celebrates teachers.
ORGANIZATION: My local indie bookstore, Skylight Books, is hosting a Children's Hospital of Los Angeles book drive. You can purchase books for young patients and their siblings.
I'm Grateful For... 🧧🐅
The Year of the Tiger. Lunar New Year is one of my favorite holidays. I love the food and celebrations. This year’s zodiac animal is the tiger—a symbol of power, independence, and creativity. (Want to learn more? I wrote this LNY feature for Bust magazine. It includes a recipe for veggie dumplings. 😋)