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 👏🏼
When I launched this newsletter in August 2020, I wanted to collect joy and share them with my friends. Back then, it felt impossible to feel joy, but saving each item restored me. Right now, there’s a lot happening in the world that feels the opposite of joy. Collecting these moments for all of you gives me space to remember the good in the world. I’m grateful to take this moment to tell you:
You deserve to feel joy. Your dreams are worth it. You are worth it. You have all the tools within you to achieve anything. Keep going toward your light, even when it feels dark.
My Latest News 🐶
I wrote the cover story for Johns Hopkins Magazine about alum Dr. Thomas Edling, who oversees the American Humane’s No Animals Harmed program, and how he makes sure every animal is safe in movie, TV, and commercial productions. My favorite quote from my interview with him:
"It's hard not to smile when you are concentrating on work and a dog drops a toy in your lap," Edling says.
Check Out This... 🏳️⚧️
ARTICLE: A friend of mine, Mitch Del Monico wrote this beautiful essay for the LA Times about being a trans man and writing their own love language.
PEP TALK: Inspired by her kindergarten students positive attitudes despite everything they’ve been through, teachers Jessica Martin and Asherah Weiss created a hotline where you can call and get a pep talk from these amazing kids.
TV SHOW: Is It Cake? (Netflix). Hosted by Saturday Night Live’s hilarious Mikey Day, this baking show begs you to discern which objects are actually cake. My kids and I adore it and the artistry is next level.
NONPROFIT: In many states, transgender youth and their families are being targeted. Equality Texas is one organization working to help protect trans kids.
I'm Grateful For... 💖
Art by my kids. Chloe and I traveled for a few days and when we came back, Clark put up this heart-filled drawing on their bedroom door.
Wonderful as always, Jenn! You brought smiles to my face as I read it! Thanks!❤️🥰