Jane Enright

Jane Enright is an ordinary person who has survived some extraordinary things. An inspiring and humorous inspirational author, speaker, and positivity expert, Canada-based Enright is a former kindergarten teacher, strategic planner, and university lecturer, as well as the founder and CEO of Everything at My Super Awesome Life Inc. She is also the author of Butter Side Up: How I Survived My Most Terrible Year & Created My Super Awesome Life and Jane’s Jam: Inspiration To Create Your Super Awesome Life.

Jane speaks to audiences seeking answers to overcoming a fear of the unknown, grief, stress, loss, depression, anxiety, stagnation, indecision, sadness, and more. From top executives to stay-at-home moms, she is helping audiences throughout North America land “butter side up” find joy, successfully manage change and choices, and learn how to create their super awesome life after unexpected change.

Twitter: @JaneEnright20

Instagram: @JaneEngright.Author

Are there any particular films that have influenced your writing?

Great question! I love films and I am an avid fan and patron of TIFF: The Toronto International Film Festival.  I have always loved to read books, attend live theatre, and watch movies. In fact, one question I enjoy asking people I meet is “if you could only watch one film what would it be?” It may sound a bit childish, but my absolute favourite is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off—and yes it did influence my writing tremendously.  It is my “go-to” film when I need inspiration and want to laugh out loud. To me, it personifies the art of seizing the day. The value of playing hooky once in a while, finding balance, and creating those uplifting moments that we savour and bring us happiness and sweetness when life gives us sour.

My writing is inspirational and playful but explores life lessons through struggle. Ferris Bueller and the characters not only compliment these themes in my work, but also document the struggles we all face as young adults which are finding our way, accepting what is, breaking the rules sometimes, and the judgement that often plague our thoughts about the way we see ourselves, and others.

We all have the power on some level to change our circumstances. This film reflects my sincere belief that being grateful for our life and time on earth, and looking at ourselves, and life in a lighthearted way, is the cornerstone of our existence. Stuff with four letters ending in a “T” happens to all of us, its how you handle it that matters.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” -Ferris Bueller

Not all books are for all readers… when you start a book and you just don’t like it, how long do you read until you bail?

I enjoy reading books that have me at hello. One of my favorites is the novel The Light Between Oceans by Australian author M.L. Stedman (2012 Scribner). The opening chapter is riveting.  It begins with a lighthouse keeper and his wife living on remote Janus Rock who discover a dinghy with a dead man and a baby that has washed up on shore. This book not only had me at hello, it held my attention until the very end.  In my opinion, The Light Between Oceans is a must read for any avid reader, or individual who finds it challenging to stay with a book until the very end. On a personal note, if the storyline does not capture my attention at the very beginning, I find it difficult to stick with it beyond the first three chapters or part one of the story.

Vacation druthers… City or Rural destination? Why?

Travel is a passion of mine and I have been blessed to have been able to visit and explore many countries in Europe, and Oceania for both work and pleasure including France, Italy, Germany, UK, Australia, Fiji and New Zealand.  I believe in the power of travel experience which can bring a bigger picture perspective and appreciation for our own life experiences.

I tend to enjoy more rural, less populated areas off the grid where I can drink in the scenery and just be close to nature with the competition of background noise. That being said, a city is definitely not off my to-do list but very much on it. I enjoy art, music, architecture walking tours, and cultural nuances of both city and rural life.

Is your go to comfort food sweet or savory? Is it something you make yourself? Does food inspire your writing?

I love to write and I love to cook. I would say my comfort food is a 60-40 savory versus sweet split of foods.

When I was writing Butter Side Up: How I Survived My Most Terrible Year & Created My Super Awesome Life and Jane’s Jam: Inspiration To Create Your Super Awesome Life I tended to eat a little more and gravitate towards snacks that I could grab and go disappear with, in my office, to enjoy and fuel my writing. Ironically, both books are based on theories and anecdotes that involve food as analogies. I grew up in a household where my mother often tried new recipes, cooked almost everything from scratch. I enjoy trying new recipes, modifying others, and entertaining with friends and family where everyone contributes a dish they create. My family are foodies in a god way-not food snobs we just love to cook and share our creations. My brother is a chef and my children, their partners, and parents are all good cooks. My lasagna and strawberry rhubarb pie are favorites among my friends and family. For me, food and writing go hand in hand and bring me comfort, joy, and inspiration. Sharing meals, great wine and food are always enjoyable occasions.

If you could create a museum exhibition, what would be the theme?

Inspiration and Positivity. How art, artists, and creators of all types (actors, musicians, sculptors, writers, painters, etc.) bring joy, positivity, and value to our experiences and inspire us to create happiness in our lives, not just find it!