Jenna Bush Hager reflected on her thriving journalistic career with a throwback photo of herself as a child rocking blunt bangs and glasses.
The adorable picture served as the northern star to her carousel post featuring the journalist interviewing heavy hitters including "interviewing Her Majesty Queen Camilla, sitting down with four former presidents, and speaking with the cast of The Devil Wears Prada 2."
She reflected on her journey, vulnerably opening up about her anxiety and struggles, captioning the post: "Remember that feeling of sweaty palms and butterfly-inducing nerves? The feeling before starting a new school, walking into a job interview, or trying something that scares you just a little bit?! These past few months, I've found myself craving that nauseating, yet addictive, feeling of trying something new."
© InstagramHer fans cheered her on as they flocked to the comments. One person wrote: "The last picture of you is all of us. Thank you Jenna!" Another commenter wrote: "Omg the last slide though."
A third fan added: "Slide eight for the win," while another continued: "JBH!!! Love the school pic."
Jenna's deeper take
The TV star further wrote in her caption: "I wrote all about that feeling on my Substack – the feeling of uncomfortableness for just a moment before falling in love with the pride that comes from trying something new, and how important it is to keep seeking out those moments no matter how old we get."
© Getty ImagesJenna fittingly titled her personal essay, "The Power of Saying Yes to New."
Although she has decades of experience interviewing some of the biggest A-listers, the actress recently challenged herself to continue dreaming bigger.
She expressed that "as we get older, we feel less and less [butterfly-inducing nervousness]," therefore, she decided to "force" herself into those situations lately.
© NBCUniversalHow Jenna's younger self inspires her
The journalist expressed how her younger self served as her inspiration for facing her fears headfirst.
She shared on her blog: "I wanted to feel [the nerves], to prove to myself that the little girl who moved to seven schools throughout her education – including moving in the middle of the seventh grade!!! – is still there."
Jenna continued: "Maybe she exchanged her blunt bangs for a (word that rhymes with blunty!) bob but, her confidence and boldness (even if FAKE!) are still present."
© Getty ImagesDoctor's orders
The TV host emphasized how important trying new things is in our lives, as it keeps us growing and challenged, and we come out the other side proud of ourselves.
She recalled what she learned from interviewing Doctor Ayesha Sherzai on her daytime talk show, adding: "Good stress (eustress) is driven by purpose and lucid, practical victories. Dr Sherzai's examples of good stress: learning something new: a language, a class, a skill outside your comfort zone. For example, training for a 5K when you've never run one."
Jenna concluded: "It's hard, but every week you see progress as you get closer to the race date on the calendar. Or taking on a leadership role at work or in your community that stretches you but aligns with what you care about. Or learning to cook a cuisine you've never tried — you'll fail a few times, but each dish teaches you something new."
