From Diary to Mad About the Boy: What Bridget Jones Taught Me

I know this newsletter is about photography, but sometimes I’ll share feel-good and personal updates too. And we have to talk about Bridget Jones.

I’m close in age with the author of Bridget Jones, Helen Fielding and was raising a family when the first movie was released. It was a breath of fresh air to watch the life of a single woman, navitating the dating game while I was stuck at home with young children. Through the life of Bridget Jones, I could rewrite my younger self’s history.

There are some films you don’t care to watch over and over again, and for me, this is one of them! I must have seen Bridget Jones’s Diary at least five times. In fact, the movie comes around every Christmas, so why not give it another go? What I love in Bridget Jones’s Diary is the romance, the silliness, the bastard boyfriend. A film that’s easy to watch, perfect for cosy nights on the sofa under a blanket. You can watch all three of them in one afternoon, doing nothing!

I must admit my life was completely out of sync with Bridget’s story. When she was single, I was at home with three kids and couldn’t imagine a life like Bridget’s. Even younger, my life never looked like this. I grew up thinking that I had to be in a long-term relationship in my twenties, which I did. I got married in my thirties and went straight on with a family. Because you know, the fertility timeline was knocking on the door.

When Bridget went frolicking in Thailand with Daniel Cleever in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. I was pushing food shopping trolleys in the local supermarket food aisle. Rushing home to cook dinner after work. Watching Bridget messing up her life felt like a breather. Allowing yourself the permission to fail and mess up. You don’t have to be the perfect wife, mother, or what else?

When the third film came out, 10 years later I was certainly less taken by it. Bridget was finally experiencing motherhood while I was happy to have older kids. And getting some of my independence back. This is likely the one with which I connected the least. Because I was in a period where I wanted to move on from.

So let’s talk about Mad About the Boy. When I came out of the cinema, I had sparkles in my eyes. Bridget is still as clumsy as ever, but she is more mature. After being a stay-at-home mum and experiencing tragedy (can you believe it, Mark Darcy died!) she decided to take her life back in control. And I guess this is what happens to every woman who is a mother. At some point you want to think about yourself and move on from the domestic chores and the family sphere. Getting help and acknowledging that you are a woman and not just a mother.

In the fourth movie, Bridget juggles family life, getting back into a job, and navigating the new codes of dating. Despite some hiccups, she is doing exceptionally well. She is less in your face and more accepting, listening to what she wants. Less obsessed about having to conform. What I love most in Bridget Jones are the friendship and the Christmas Family gathering. It’s what I love most in real life too, and seeing families and friends celebrating together gives me a real lift. Even if the fantasy doesn’t always look like the reality.

Mad About The Boy is about a woman over 40 feeling great in her skin, embracing who she is and moving on with her life. The chemistry between Hugh Grant and Renée Zellweger is still electrifying on screen. In a way, Bridget is teaching us a lesson about letting go and embracing who we are.

Bridget is a great role model; I love her and you should too. She can teach you a few life lessons towards embracing yourself and making the most of your time! Here are some experiences from the Bridget Jones’ guide to life.

1. She isn’t afraid of ridicule.

Probably not, she jumps into every situation with all her heart, enjoying every bit of it. She’s very spontaneous and often has an aftermath of feeling ridicule, but at least she did it! As women, we tend to be scared to look dumb, but hey who gives a s…! Now is the time in your life not to care about looking stupid. Did you hear me? Yes!

You will have some days trying new things where you will feel completely out of your comfort zone and may realise you’ve made a mistake, “this isn’t you, why did you even start it?” The “I look so stupid” moment? But what the heck! At other times you will feel proud trying, so joyful and happy that you stuck with your ideas.

2. She’s taking risks

Quitting a job is never an easy decision but working for an a……. neither! She isn’t waiting for someone to discover or save her! She goes for it, applies for jobs, tries her luck going through many interviews. If you’re after a lucky escape from your job or relationship, the secret is to plan for it. Understanding what you want from your next job, speak around, connect via network meetings. It might not happen overnight, knowing precisely what you want to will help you move in the right direction. Start planning now!

3. She isn’t acting her age

Who said you’ve to become invisible past 45! I’m glad significant changes are upon us women in their late 40s and over. I’m not ready to step down, and neither are you I hope. Your quest should be to step up to who you are and reaching the next stages of your life. You want to continue learning, being moved by beauty, letting your true self out in full bloom. Trust me, this is just the beginning, and freedom is upon you; that’s the privilege of being older!

Have you seen “Mad About the Boy” yet? Share your favourite Bridget Jones moment in the comments below! And tell me—which of Bridget’s life lessons resonates most with you? Are you embracing your true self, or do you still struggle with the fear of looking ridiculous? Let’s channel our inner Bridget together and make a pact to take at least one action this month!