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
This month, I saw two amazing/spectacular/inspiring concerts—Lizzo and Elton John. Lizzo asked her audience, “When was the last time you were kind to yourself? What did you say?”
That hit me in the chest. Being kind to myself is a practice for me. One step I’ve taken is saying what I like about myself to my kids. At their bedtime, we share our gratitudes and 1 thing we like about ourselves. It’s allowed me to see myself in a positive light.
So, when was the last time you were kind to yourself? What did you say? If you need a little Mad Libs-style inspiration, fill in the blanks.
I am [adjective]. I like how I [verb + noun]. For example: I am creative. I like how I make up silly games with my kids.
Feel free to share your kind-to-yourself Mad Libs with me! I’d love to read them.
My Latest News
Did you know reading can be an effective coping strategy for anxiety, stress, and depression? For SELF, I wrote a personal essay about how reading romance novels helped my mental health. I mentioned a few of my favorite books I’ve read. Several of the authors commented (!!!).
Check Out This...
STANDUP SPECIAL: I’m a fan of Trevor Noah’s standup specials, and his latest, “I Wish You Would,” does not disappoint.
MOVIE: I loved Knives Out so when Glass Onion came out (premieres on Netflix on Dec. 23), I had to see it in a theater. If you love Agatha Christie mysteries, Detective Benoit Blanc is straight from her world.
BOOK: I bet you’ve never read a romance that has a bingo-based sex pact. Bet On It by Jodie Slaughter is that and more.
FUNDRAISER: I’m writing this on #GivingTuesday, so I am highlighting a few worthy causes this month:
Send a journal, through the Care Kit Campaign, to WriteGirl, a creative writing and mentoring organization that empowers teen girls and gender-expansive youth.
Donate gently used bras and menstrual products to I Support the Girls, which collects and distributes essential items to people experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress.
Evie Foundation is holding a Holiday Book Drive to provide Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles patients and caregivers with reading materials for their often long-term stays.
I'm Grateful For...
Elton John. Last year, Brendan bought us tickets to see Elton John at Dodgers Stadium. It was amazing to see him light up the arena with his decades of musical hits and signature sparkly outfits. You can watch the livestream replay (Disney+) with fantastic interviews from Elton, his collaborators, friends, and fans.
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Love your newsletter. When I see it in my inbox I know it will be something fun and positive and, dang—we need positive! Cheers to the New Year and new writing adventures.
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