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We’re always practicing.  In other words, the body is incapable of not practicing.  And what we practice, we become.

- Richard Strozzi-Heckler

Two years ago I moved from Washington, DC to Washington state.   My life in DC was unsustainable, and I had to get out. Sustainable is such a buzz word these days, so what do I mean by that?  In this case, it meant that my life – the 60 hour work week, too much takeout, lack of fresh air and sunlight, and general urban isolation – was slowly eating my soul.  I decided it was time to change the way I live.

What I figured out through all of this is that being balanced, living sustainably, is not about big changes.   It is about all the tiny choices we make, a thousand times a day.  And because we are all connected, a balanced life is also about the tiny choices everyone else makes which, in aggregate, become all those big things that shape our lives: the economy, politics, the environment, etc.  And even smaller “big” things, like getting through a traffic jam without excessive road rage or peacefully navigating a grocery store during the evening rush.

Somehow I’ve turned out to be that person with the crazy knack for deconstructing the big, confusing issues and playing connect-the-seemingly-innocuous-dots to the bigger picture.  I’m passionate about bringing that to other people’s lives, and helping people find balanced and sustainable options in our chaotic modern world.  I dig wholehearted, fully conscious living and I’d love to work with you.

What Came Before

In my past life, I worked for an international trade attorney doing climate change policy research and anything else she needed from me.  I’ve driven across the country four times (once as a part of a crazy cross-country car rally) and saw exactly how much they didn’t teach me in school.  Which isn’t to say I didn’t love school – college was amazing and I came out with two degrees that I haven’t used much, but which shaped the way I see the world.  I’ve worked for attorneys and CEOs, and have helped small green business owners build a sustainable future for their businesses and communities.  Mostly, I solved puzzles, because that is what I do.

Get In Touch

I love connecting with people, and as a formerly shy work-in-progress person, I totally get it.  Talk to me anyways.  I love Twitter and will totally talk back if you say hi.  Follow me.

I’m on Facebook too – come write on my wall, post a funny picture, or send me your grandmother’s amazing recipe for strawberry jam.

You can also sign up to receive blog posts via e-mail (or RSS) or regular updates on what is going on at Openly Balanced and anything else I think you might find fascinating, sign up here.

I can also be reached by e-mail: jess@openlybalanced.com or use the form below and it will come right to me.

I do accept guest posts from the right kind of people.  If you think you might be a fit, feel free to send me a pitch.

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