You wrote a book entitled "Do I look Fat in This? Life Does not Begin Five Pounds From Now", what was the book's inspiration and core message?

I know so many women who say, 'Oh my gosh, my life would be great when I lose five pounds, or when I get a new car, or a different husband, or a better job' or whatever -- they kind of put out there that that equals their happiness.  Whether you're a size 2, 12, or 22, it's considered normal to hate your body. Society practically encourages it. But this discontent is really just a way of masking deeper issues such as insecurity, low self-esteem, or a longing for love and acceptance. By focusing on what others tell you are your shortcomings, you miss countless opportunities to feel connected, sexy, and powerful. By changing your thoughts, language, and actions, you can truly begin to love and appreciate your body today.

You're Dove's global ambassador for self-esteem, how did that collaboration emerge and what does the role entail?

As someone who's been a part of the Confidence Community™ for over 15 years, I am so proud to serve as  the Global Ambassador for the Dove Self-Esteem Fund and help them spread the message about the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem - a global movement to help girls realize their full potential and discover that their beauty is really can be a source of confidence and not anxiety. Anyone can join the movement and begin using the amazing tools and suggested exercises we have on our site at www.dovemovement.com

All it takes is spending at least one hour with a girl in your life - those 60 minutes can be 60 moments that change a girl's life.


You've describe your approach on how sex education should be taught to young women as  "unorthodox" .Can you tell us a bit about your stance?

I believe in being honest with young women about sex, sexuality, and their bodies. I think that truth and science make a much better companion for choices than fear or shame. So I call myself unorthodox because I believe in frank conversation with young women about the power and potential of their bodies, the consequences of their actions, and the joy that can be derived from being a fully self-expressed sexual being. I don't find anything wrong in that.

Speaking from your personal experiences, what do you think are the keys for maintaining a healthy sense of self-esteem and confidence?

We have to focus on our whole and authentic confidence. It's not just our body size or our accomplishments but rather our voice, mind, body, vision, and spirit. We are whole women and our self-esteem comes from doing esteemable acts, feeling esteemable feelings, and keeping our lives in balance. We have to up to come down and vice versa. When we expect ebb and flow in everything in life from our moods to our weight to our relationships - we are much more happy and content than when we fight to be an unrealistic ideal or emotion.

What do you think of the view that for some women it's "too late" to repair the damage done to their self-esteem?

Never. I think that self-esteem is a reflection of your ongoing relationship with yourself and others. We are all in progress until we no longer walk this earth.


What tools can women use to push back against a culture that in many ways encourages self-hatred?

The most powerful act you can do is to believe in yourself and to believe that you are worthy of a balanced, perfectly imperfect self-love. One that doesn't come from a relentless pursuit of perfection but just the opposite. One that comes from embracing your failures, celebrating your successes and not giving so much value to what other people think. Harder to do than to say - but oh, so worth it. If you practice keeping your own counsel and work to change the culture at large by first changing your own views and your own measurement of self-love. NO one can take that away from you.

You can find out more about Jess at www.jessweiner.com