Hello Beautiful Actionists:
Do you ever start your day with the best of intentions to get everything on your “to-do” list crossed off, only to find yourself making more lists of more things you haven’t gotten done? It feels like an endless journey of tasks and errands occupy my day sometimes taking me away from remembering the good stuff. And even though I need to acknowledge that the March newsletter is barely squeaking out to you by the end of March (ha!) writing to you and sharing with you is one of the BEST things on my “to-do” list! You are by far the good stuff!

As we roll into Spring, you may be getting the bug to clean out your closets or clean out your relationships, seek new opportunities, or wrap up old situations that no longer serve you. I think that’s the magic of this time of year. We want to clean, nest, feel the renewal of Spring and be reborn into new possibility. I encourage us to embrace the urge to change our furniture around, dump a toxic friend, or reach out to a long lost love you’ve been thinking about. Ask for a raise, speak your mind to your parent or family member, or raise your hand more in class. It’s the perfect time of year to TAKE RISKS!

When we reach outside our comfort zone, when we dare to push ourselves to do things that scare us (the true definition of courage btw – doing things despite the fear) we only allow ourselves to grow and change. And yes, my fellow control freaks – growing and changing is a good thing. It’s taken me a while to realize (and accept) this but it’s true. So what have you been itching to do but haven’t because of fear? Writing that book? Calling that guy (or girl)? Taking that class? My words to you this month: DO IT!

These past 6 months have lead me on a path of massive discovery about my ability to take risks and put myself out there. I facilitated an online series for Dove, began writing a monthly column as a contributing editor for Seventeen Magazine and have continued to appear on CNN, Tyra and others.

Every time I put myself, my heart, and my work out there I learn about my ability to withstand obstacles, face challenges, and believe in my abilities.

I am grateful for the chance I get now to express myself. I think we can all find a way in our everyday lives to continue taking risks and moving toward our passion and vision. Doesn’t matter how big or small – if it stirs you – go for it. Don’t wait. Do it now!

As always, we have wonderful changes brewing in my work life and we’ll bring you a much more robust update next month on some new partnerships, some new players in the Jess world, and the latest on our brand new website launching later this Spring! I couldn’t be happier with where we are all heading now – I believe in all of us!

I am happy to share with you a wonderful Actionist this month – Anna Nicole, a wonderful full figured fashion designer who’s line is coming out later this summer – check out her work at jahQoi –  I feel it’s incredibly important for us to support those visionaries out there who are following their heart and taking risks – so kudos to Anna and her mother, Dorez for taking the risk and creating this clothing line.

I am also happy to include in our featured reading section Karly Randolph Pitman’s e-book Heal Your Body Image: An inspiring, Step-by-Step Guide to Loving Your Body. Karly has been a guest blogger on our blog site and I appreciate her words of wisdom very much. Here is an author who is following her bliss and finding a unique way to publish and distribute her book. Check it out!

I also want to say a special thank you and LOVE YOU to my sister, Rebecca, who is off taking risks and pursuing her dreams right now. As many of you know, she was a huge supporter in my business and I wouldn’t be where I am without her. She is the definition of a bold girl and I’m happy to share DNA with her!

So go ahead – take those risks – reap those rewards – grow and change – and I’ll see you next month for the latest in Actionist News!

Blessings,
Jess

TAKING RISKS

Heal Your Body Image: An inspiring, Step-by-Step Guide to Loving Your Body

-Karly Randolph Pitman

A negative body image, dieting, overeating, and food addiction all have the same root: they are all misguided attempts to meet our need for self acceptance. But by combining self love with self care, you can heal your negative body image and tame destructive habits. Self care is what helps your body look its best. Self love is what helps you feel your best---about your body, as well as yourself. Heal Your Body Image: An Inspiring, Step-by-Step Guide to Loving Your Body offers 22, practical ways to implement these two practices in your life, so that you can love your body, feel pretty, and change negative habits into healthy ones.

Karly Randolph Pitman, writer, speaker, blogger, and mother of four, offers encouragement for women at firstourselves.com. First Ourselves encourages women to heal themselves, first, by offering women tips on gaining a positive body image, adding self care, and nurturing yourself. Karly is the author of an ebook on loving your body, Heal Your Body Image: An Inspiring, Step-by-Step Guide to Loving Your Body, and Overcoming Sugar Addiction: How to Kick Your Sugar Habit. She's also writing a book on mother's self care, as well as a book on loving your pregnant body. All ebooks are available on firstourselves.com.

“Action conquers fear"
- Peter Nivio Zarlenga

Connecting with Jess!

One of the most rewarding parts of being an Actionist is finding inspiration in the people around you.
Jess’s work inspired Darla and Lisa of Beadside The Bay to create this beautiful handcrafted necklace, and their generosity inspired Jess to share one with you!

Who inspires you? What is it that makes this person an Actionist?
It could be a family member, a friend, classmate, co-worker, teacher, or neighbor - Anyone you know who walks their talk and inspires you to do the same!

Write an essay in 300 words or less telling us about someone who inspires you, and you could win a Jess necklace!

Submit your essay to here for a chance to win!

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What's on Jess's mind...
Are you curious about what's on Jess's mind lately? Be sure to read Jess's Blog to find out!

If you or someone you know would like to be a guest blogger on Jess's blog, please send your blog entry along with a 2 sentence bio about the writer to info@withjess.com.

** The topics are open - just keep in mind the goal of the site and Jess's work is to promote conversation and action**

Jess is so 21st Century...
Check out Jess's My Space page to read her blog, send her a comment, and connect with other amazing people making a difference in the world!

Book Jess in 2008!

Book Jess for your upcoming events in 2008 now and receive $500.00 off the total cost of program fees. Send your email to Elaine@withjess.com to find out what dates are still available.

Our Featured Actionist™ this month is...

Anna Nicole
Full Figure Fashion Designer

Anna Nicole is a native of Detroit, Michigan but has lived in Los Angeles most of her life. After gaining work experience, primarily in retail, Anna decided to join her mother (producer, Dorez Douglas) in the entertainment industry. She worked on several projects in the Wardrobe Department, including a showcase video for actress/comedian Angelique Bates (formerly of Nickelodeon's hit show, "All That"). The costume designer noticed Anna's passion and desire to learn. She told her about Los Angeles Trade Technical College's distinguished Fashion Design Program. Two years later, Anna had completed the program and received her certificate.
In July 2005, she decided to establish Jahqoi, Inc. Jahqoi now handles both retail and wholesale sales. Currently Anna Nicole is working on a new collection for JahQoi that should be available July 2008. To view our designs visit: www.jahQoi.com

Working as a fashion designer has really made me feel more comfortable in my skin. I am able to appreciate the curves of my body and how they enhance the details of the garment's design. I am also very proud of my ability to help all of the women out there like myself, who need more appealing options. Clothes can't make you a star, but they sure can make you shine.
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Everyone can be an Actionist™!
Below are some definitions of the word:

1. Someone who motivates and inspires people to take action in their everyday lives.

2. Someone of any age, race, class, and gender who wants to walk their talk out in the world and lead by example.

3. Someone willing to do what it takes to make a difference in their lives and in the world at large.

Wanna be empowered with great ways to take action in your everyday life?

Ways to Take Action

1. If you’re at a loss for new words that make you feel positive, try writing down a wish list of traits you admire in others. 

2. This one’s simple but true:  Remember that everyday actions and relationships cause a ripple effect out in the world, so practice being kind, and ask someone else to pass it on

3. Assess your own belief system.  Discover if you’re taking on others’ viewpoints or giving yourself an opportunity to craft you won.  Try writing down an opinion inventory, which can be broad and basic, silly or deep:  what are your thoughts on friendship, political issues, or even doing the laundry?  You may be amazed to discover that you have different opinions than your parents or friends do.

Small steps of action can make a great change!

Also, be sure to check out the Ways to Take Action section of our web site.