When we stumbled upon Jenna Eldridge’s poignant essay, “Being Overweight Didn’t Bring Me Sadness, But Being ‘Full-figured’ Does,” we knew we had to chat with her. Jenna writes, “Happiness isn’t dependent on being thin. Being bigger doesn’t mean being unhappy,” as she reflects on her journey from striving for a size 4 figure to embracing her body as it is, proudly declaring herself as “unapologetically full-figured.” Since the essay’s release on Brightly, Jenna’s been a sought-after voice, making appearances on platforms like Good Morning America and The Talk, and featured in major publications like The Guardian and The Huffington Post. To learn more about Jenna, a devoted mother of five and a registered nurse, we invited her to participate in our fun Mid Q&A. (Stay tuned for her insights on parenting in upcoming posts!)
Mid Q&A with Jenna Eldridge
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What’s a skill you’ve always wanted to acquire?
“I want to learn how to play the ukulele. My grandma gifted me hers when I turned 30, and let’s just say, I still haven’t mastered ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.’ But I won’t give up!”
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Is there a destination you’ve been itching to visit?
“My husband and I are longing to explore Italy. It’s a must-do on our bucket list, preferably before the kids head off to college!”
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Who deserves a thank you note?
“My high school art teacher, Lisa Hartman. She sadly passed away a few years ago. I often found her a bit overbearing, but she had unwavering faith in my talent and made me believe in myself.”
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Flashback to age 12: what would you be doing on a Friday night?
“Trying on my older sister’s prom dresses, pretending to be either Madonna or Winona Ryder, while munching on popcorn and possibly wearing a ridiculous headband.”
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Who was your first mixtape dedicated to, and what were the hits?
“I can’t recall his name, maybe Matt? But I distinctly remember including ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ by Cyndi Lauper, and several tracks by Backstreet Boys. My mixtape skills improved over time, trust me!”
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What embarrassing childhood story do you wish would stop being told?
“For some baffling reason, my family loves to recount the time I thought it would be a great idea to stick a grape up my nose. Spoiler: it didn’t stay there long.”
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What’s the best advice you’d give your 25-year-old self?
“Take care of your mental health. Just because you have anxiety doesn’t mean you’re destined to struggle; addressing it can vastly improve your life.”
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What’s your signature dish?
“Cake! I’m basically a cake wizard. If you want a dessert, I’m your gal!”
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Do you have a motto?
“It varies! Sometimes it’s ‘Live your best life!’ and other days, it’s ‘Make today ridiculously amazing!’ Thanks, everyone, for those inspiring quotes!”
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What’s your personal theme song?
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey always lifts my spirits and reminds me to keep going.
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What’s a movie or show that’s guaranteed to cheer you up?
“Crazy, Stupid, Love” never fails to restore my faith in love and laughter.
Originally published on March 11, 2005, Jenna’s journey is a reminder that self-acceptance is key to happiness.
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In summary, Jenna Eldridge’s reflections on her journey towards self-love and acceptance highlight the importance of mental health, personal growth, and the joys of creativity, all while embracing the ups and downs of life.