Last week, I had a bit of a spiritual moment watching Ashley Padilla on Amy Poehler’s podcast.
I am a huge SNL fan, and I think Ashley is the funniest cast member to hit the stage in a decade. I’m not the only one who thinks this — she has a huge following and is truly spectacular. But beyond her talent, I was so moved by just how well she knows herself, as evidenced through a story she shared on the podcast.
As she was building her comedy career, many well-meaning managers and agents told her she needed to put her comedy on TikTok and Instagram, saying that the only way to book SNL would be to have an online following. They aren’t wrong; many of the recent cast hires come from online platforms. But in the podcast, Ashley confesses, “That just wasn’t me.”
So instead of doing something that wasn’t “her,” she focused on what she did really, really well: being on stage, honing her craft, writing, performing live, and getting better. Her focus (her laser focus) on “being Ashley” eventually led to an SNL showcase, which led to booking the show.
I was so inspired by her confidence and courage to be so true to herself, especially in an industry as cutthroat and competitive as entertainment.
It reminds me of something Gretchen Rubin (one of my favorite authors) talks about frequently, which is her personal commandment to “Be Gretchen.” She asks herself: “Am I making this decision to “Be Gretchen,” or because I want to impress other people, please someone else, pretend that I’m different from the person I actually am, or deny a truth about myself?” Inspired by that, I will often remind myself to “Be Jane.”
The more I get to know myself, the more I realize there are things that I absolutely LOVE to do (see: SolidCore, decorating my home, taking long walks to nowhere, listening to nerdy theology podcasts). But there are also some things that I am not interested in, and I don’t find very fun (see: clubbing until 2am1, watching reality tv2, Instagram, German Shepherds) — even if many other people disagree with me.
This past year has brought so many opportunities to know myself better, to be more myself without worrying that I’m missing out or that others will judge me. And one of those very exciting opportunities is my upcoming sabbatical to Paris (I leave on Friday!) The older I get, the more convinced I am that this is actually the whole point: not to become more like everyone else, not trying to optimize myself into somebody I’m not, but to embrace who God made me to be, and then have the courage to be that person as fully as possible. That doesn’t mean I don’t have areas that need growth or change — but that I can trust God is working through my gifts, interests, and desires to bring me closer to Him.
So my challenge to us all this week: What can you do to be more you? Is there something you are doing that you know just isn’t you, OR something that you are holding back from that you are just dying to try? Lean in!! Live from inspiration, not obligation. I’m in it with you.
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m loving lately
Speak life
Survivor (love of my life) is back, and the first episode of the season was SO good. One of my favorite moments was when one of the players was criticizing his tribemate, and another guy on this team said: “Speak life, brother.” Wow, I just love that — I have been hearing his voice in my head all week. What a beautiful reminder!
Me, every Monday 😂
Au revoir!
As mentioned above, I leave for Paris on Friday and will be there through mid-October. I’m calling it my sabbatical, and with the intention of resting and being present, I will also be taking a brief hiatus from the newsletter. I look forward to returning and sharing about the adventure! Please pray for me :)
Prayer intentions
For a special intention
Unless it’s karaoke then I’ll be out all night
Unless it’s Survivor