Listen, Lucy is a supportive online community where users submit creative content, such as essays, poetry and art. Many submissions are anonymous, as the site encourages users to find clarity and relief by creating art that reflects their personal struggles. Their mission is to “create a less judgemental, more accepting world.”
The founder, Jordan Zangaro, speaks openly about how she turned to writing to cope with anxiety. (Something I personally can completely relate to! I also have such admiration for anyone brave enough to share their own adversity to help others, and Jordan is no exception.)
The site encompasses a “Pay It Forward” movement as well, which motivates users to take part in anonymous random acts of kindness for strangers, after which they leave behind a “Pay It Forward” card. The card also promotes the Listen, Lucy site itself – not a bad marketing strategy!
We spoke with Jordan herself to learn more:
Where did the name Listen, Lucy come from?
Since I was really little, my mom has always called me Lucy. It has been my nickname throughout my life and something that brings a smile to my face. When I came up with this idea in college, I wanted it to be named “Dear, Lucy,” but when I finally got the ball rolling, “Dear, Lucy” was already a website. I changed it to Listen, Lucy after a friend suggested it. I think it flows so well, and it sounds so much better than “Listen, Jordan,” don’t you think?
Do you remember the moment that you decided to create Listen, Lucy? Was it something you wanted to do for a long time, or was it more of a sudden light bulb idea?
It was definitely something I wanted to do for a long time. I went to therapy for four years at Mercyhurst College. At first, I felt embarrassed that I had to get help coping with the things going on with my life, but eventually I really started to embrace it.
Although I had been writing as an outlet for years, I really didn’t start to see how much it helped me until I put an Opinion article out in our college newspaper. I wrote about my anxiety, my struggle and how I would not let this define me. I wrote about how I will define myself.
I felt so nervous about my friends and classmates reading about what was going on with me, but the positive words and kind feedback that I got was unbelievable. It made me realize that writing out your feelings and telling your story could be such a healing thing. I started to form the idea then. It took me a couple of years to get it together, but I am so happy I did.
How did you initially get the word out about Listen, Lucy?
The very first thing I did was email my high school creative writing teacher, Mr. Franks from North Hills High School. He was always so supportive of me and taught the classes that made me love writing. I told him my idea and he offered my project as an extra credit assignment to his class, and they submitted over a dozen entries. It was one of the coolest experiences ever. I will never forget how I felt when the first entry popped up in my inbox.
What has been the biggest challenge in bringing the concept to life?
Continuing to get the word out there and to do all of the things I want to with the site, while working a full-time job (I’m a Campaign Manager at The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and manage their sports fundraising campaigns.)
I believe in this site and this project so much, but finding the time to give it the attention and support it needs to be successful has been a challenge. I have started dedicating more hours towards it, before and after work and on the weekends, and I feel like I have seen some great improvements.
Which of the Listen, Lucy social media accounts has been the most active?
I would definitely say Facebook for the first year. However, I have really developed the Instagram recently. [Listen, Lucy is on Twitter as well.]
I have seen how easy it is to connect with people and find different organizations that believe in and support the same kind of ideas and values as Listen, Lucy. It has been really fun.
For Pay It Forward, what are some examples of random acts of kindness people have done?
The Pay It Forward cards were a surprise for me from my dad to help spread the word about Listen, Lucy, while also spreading kindness to people who may need it.
The awesome people that have been giving them out have paid for people’s tolls on the turnpike, paid parking tickets, left big tips on bills at restaurants, delivered gift cards and many other really nice things. They usually leave the cards behind for the person to find. The amount of people that have asked for them and send me pictures of their random acts of kindness is so overwhelming and inspiring.
We did a holiday themed Pay It Forward project where people were leaving gift cards and notes to others during Christmas. I got an email from a woman that said she had received a Starbucks gift card that was left by a stranger under her windshield wiper. She explained that she had been having a rough couple of weeks and that her dad was very ill. She told me that this random act of kindness gave her some hope during an incredibly difficult time. It brought tears to my eyes. Something so simple had such a huge impact on her.
What are some general misconceptions you feel people have about Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Panic Disorder?
The hardest thing about mental disorders is just that: they are mental. You can’t show someone what is wrong with you – they have to trust how you are feeling. It is really hard to try to get someone to understand what you are going through if they never have experienced it.
I think the biggest misconception is that people feel like you should be able to turn off your anxiety, or just “relax.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. However, remembering how bad it was for me and seeing how great things are now – even when I stumble – is something I never take for granted.
What format are most of the submissions you receive?
Definitely writing. I get some poems, too. I love every single entry so much. I would love to get more videos and visual art as well – that will come with time.
Who are your personal role models?
I am blown away by the people who have written in and shared their stories with me. It is incredibly inspiring and humbling and something that is difficult to even put into words. There will never be a day that this gets old for me.
Outside of the site, there are a ton of different places I look to and people I look up to for my motivation. I love the Post Secret books and their social media accounts. They are awesome and embody everything that I am trying to do, in showing that we all have our own issues we are working through and that it is okay to struggle.
I also really look up to Ellen DeGeneres. She has given back to so many people in need and uses her platform to make the world a better, happier place. I hope that someday I am able to impact the world like she does.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, my dad is one of the most incredible people I have ever known. He has done some much for so many and has overcome even more. He lives his life every day not only talking the talk, but walking the walk. The lives he has influenced could never be counted. He is the person I go to for advice and help and he always helps me find the right direction. He has been such a huge support and advocate for everything I have ever wanted to accomplish in my life and he, along with the rest of my awesome family, are the cheering section I need through anything and everything.
What are your favorite quotes?
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis
“You will never influence the world by trying to be like it.”
“You were born with the ability to change someone’s life. Don’t ever waste it.”
Do you have any future goals for Listen, Lucy?
In the near future, I am looking to plan a re-launch party (that you all will be invited to) and to, hopefully, start speaking at different high schools in the area in the next year or so. I really think this site can be a great outlet for struggling teens who need to speak without judgment. Eventually, I would like to do a college tour speaking about the website, turn the ListenLucy.org into a book and eventually get my project on Ellen (I will keep saying it until I make it happen. Come on, Ellen – help a sister out!)
What do you like to do in your free time?
Well, a lot of my free time is spent working on Listen, Lucy but other than that, I am really close with my family and have a really hilarious, incredible group of friends and a really cool husband, Connor. We all spend a lot of time together.
I also am running my first half marathon with my dad in a few weeks. I love reality TV, too. (Maybe I shouldn’t advertise that – my husband is probably cringing!) There is nothing like a good reunion special and a bag of Doritos to just make you feel at ease. I would say it is my guilty pleasure, but I don’t feel guilty about it…sorry, not sorry!
