Smile With Jenna
Meet Jenna Atkinson! Jenna is an actor, dancer, singer, model, life coach, and founder of Smile with Jenna. Her infectious energy speaks through her joy filled content which includes stickers, vidoes, blog posts, and more! I had the chance to sit with Jenna and discuss the concept of Core Values and how they play a role in her life! Check it out!!
This episode is a part of heARTwork U's Pack for Creative Identity!
How do core values play a role in your life?
I think in order to know where you are going you need to know where you are at. In simple terms, and I’m discovering this more and more every day, it’s important to know what your likes and dislikes are so that you can pave a pathway for your future goals as well as how you respond to roadblocks that stray away from the overall vision you have for yourself. I’m finding that the more understanding I gain for who I am as a person and where I want to be, I’m not only showing up better for myself but I’m showing up as a better person for everyone around me. (For example friends, family, relationships, and even acquaintances). Over the past few years, I’ve gained clarity with the idea that no one is in charge of telling me what type of person to be. People can most certainly guide me with directions, but I’m in charge of my own emotions and actions. As I lean into my core beliefs I’m finding everything else around me is aligning with them. It’s giving me a better perspective and clearer vision of how I want to live my life and it’s also given me more confidence within myself.
Do you think you need to separate your core values artistically and personally?
No, at least when it comes to my core values. I think it would be impossible to separate the two. I don’t think I can fully show up as my most creative and artistic self if I don’t show up for myself as a person first. Before you walk into any audition room or submit a self-tape, the directors are seeing you as a person. How do you carry yourself? What energy do you bring into the room? What conversations do you have in the waiting room? I think your personal and artistic values must exist together, but your goals can be separated.
How to habitually check in with your core values?
Find moments of solitude for yourself. Especially from an artistic background, it’s easy to get lost in the idea that you have to do it all, examples: taking extra lessons, going to every audition. It’s easy to fall into overwhelm and comparison, and it’s important to take a few moments for yourself every day. Something I’ve really been noticing and tapping into is also recognizing how my body reacts. If you have this sense of openness and excitement, well then you are aligned with your core values. If you notice tightness you are not in alignment. Listen to your gut.
In hard or uncertain times, how do you return to your core values?
Step 1.
I think it’s important to take note of them now, to constantly be aware in times that are good so that when you are faced with uncertainty you have something to cling to instead of being frustrated in not knowing or overwhelmed by the feeling of where do I begin.
Step 2.
Look at the big picture. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the noise, anxiety over how other people react, etc. Sometimes I need to remove myself from the situation in order to see how it personally affects me and how I can take control of myself and own thoughts. I am in control of my own thoughts.
Step 3.
Embrace the idea that it’s temporary. Live in the moment, feel however you need to feel, but to constantly remind myself this is temporary. There is always a tomorrow waiting for me to try again.
Step 4.
Find your joy. Your gratitude, and your blessings. In times of doubt and uncertainty, I cling to the small moments of good I can find. I do one thing that will make me feel instantly better or accomplished (make my bed, listen to music, workout) and I focus on my health. What am I eating? Am I taking care of my mental and physical self?
Be sure to visit Jenna’s Website to learn more about how she’s making an impact through pure joy!