What Cinderella and Bridgerton Taught Me About the Courage to Show Up for Your Own Life
I have had Cinderella on my mind. There are so many versions of this Perrault fairytale that it is said that no one knows the true origin of the story. Maybe it is because a shadow of the tale plays out again and again throughout time and sometimes so close to us that it is not even recognizable. As the self proclaimed fairytale diva that I am, I am in love with this fable. The 1950 Disney animated version was my beloved story when I was young. I love the charming animal friends, the dreamy environment and dress that Cinderella finds herself in dancing with the prince, the intense action of the pumpkin chase scene and when Cinderella is rescued not by the prince as much as by her closest friends. I love it all. I am still on the edge of my seat when I watch those two little mice scramble to get the key to rescue their precious Cinderella in time. As I grew older finding other tellings I adored only drew me in more, be it Ever After, Ella Enchanted or the darling of them all, the 2015 Cinderella that is as beautiful in heart as it is visually. A quiet telling where Cinderella maintains her kindness, but finds her courage as well. The portrayal of this classic character, rocking that divine gown and delivering those lines, “I forgive you” is the pinnacle of her courage. This slightly controversial scene is absolute perfection as our heroine is able to let go completely, not giving this wicked, broken woman another ounce of her time. Talk about living in freedom. The release of the entanglement that we were never meant to carry is an act of courage indeed. May it be for us all. When I view this lovely, slow, contemplative, captivating conclusion to this film, I drink up every beat. It is a rare thing in our distracted world to be so engaged in a story. Similarly, this most recent season of Bridgerton had me captivated thusly. It gave me this sense that I’ve lived a similar moment, one in which I am being beckoned, and yet cannot fathom that I have anything of value to contribute.
Bridgerton has been the subject of many conversations, from the authenticity of costuming for the time period to how it is the perfect excuse to hold tea and dress up to much more. One conversation that I want to draw us into is the exploration of the unexpectedly captivating scene where the darling Sophie catches a glimpse of her Prince Charming. He is not the Prince Charming we might expect. He is not the man with the whole package with an unmarred reputation, certainty in direction in his life, even an unwavering respect for women. While he is unsteady in these characteristics, he has a moment in time that made him believe he may actually find a woman with whom he could share his life. That moment that cuts through the pessimism. A moment where he may just relinquish his rakish freedom obsessed ways and be anchored to one woman and let her influence him to be his best self. And yet, he cannot find her. In a not so disguised nod to the classic Cinderella, he is going door to door looking for his mystery woman as she is hidden in plain sight. In extraordinary circumstances the daughter of a Lord is forced to live as a servant and finds herself outside the door to the room that holds this man who cannot escape this hope she inspired in him. Her confidant, Alfie, stands with her encouraging her to move forward and show herself. He tells her that, “He is clearly looking for you…go in there” As the music swells, we see Sophie consider how it may play out should she greet her Prince Charming. We see her waver, hope flickering, fear pressing in and then despair overtaking her as the music swirls around the two servants in the hallway.
This scene is fiction, and yet something feels familiar. I simultaneously identify with Sophie and Alfie. How many times have I perceived exactly what needs to happen for a friend to get their happy ending, be it a big or small life choice. And yet, I’ve seen them downplay their own value or talent or need until that opportunity passes them by. And how many times have I missed an opportunity to apply that same discernment to my own life? Countless times. Countless times I have been in Sophie’s shoes, be they figurative, glass, silver or otherwise. I’ve stood there, too enamored in my own self-doubt to trust that God has empowered me with his Spirit to move. Too fearful to walk in the reality of all that God speaks over me. Instead I speak over myself, “He does not want to find me…” And then I miss it. The music fades away and I am left there with a shattered hope in the silence and the echoes of the words, “go in there” ringing in my ears. The feeling that I am being called for, pursued, sought out and yet, I don’t value what I have to offer enough to enter the room.
I may or may not have mentioned a time or two that these past 12 months have been some of the hardest of my entire life. A friend and mentor could only advise me this amidst the chaos: “Take hold of life with both hands and don’t let go.” I could not be more sure that that is what I’ve needed to hear and to act upon. The ride is not yet over, so, this next year of my life I am on a narrow mission. I will have to continue to say “no” to many more opportunities. And yet, I pray to God when that next perfect-for-me one comes up in my life, the one that God is calling me to, maybe even the one that He has purposed me for, I will have the courage and the self worth to grab a hold of it with both hands. That I have the courage to enter the room and let the truth wash over me completely, and recognize that I am what is needed. The next time you stand in the hallway, I pray you do not linger. Go in there. Enter the room.
References and Inspirations
Bridgerton. Season 4, Netflix, 2026.
Bridgerton Official Playlist. Spotify, curated by Spotify, open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX5Hl0iWtr5b3. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Cinderella, (1950 film)
Cinderella, (2015 film)
Perrault, Charles. “Cinderella; or, The Little Glass Slipper.” SurLaLune Fairy Tales, translated by Charles Welsh, edited by D. L. Ashliman, University of Pittsburgh, 2003.