Jess and B

Jess and B Mom and son help you get out of your comfort zone & into possibilities. Join us for adventures & fun

01/30/2025

With speaking on and working with organizations about topics like and , it's easy to get caught up in the "seriousness" of these important issues.

Although I love fun, sometimes my brain goes into thinking overdrive.

When this happens, I have to remind myself to laugh and be goofy.

People aren't hiring me to be serious. These topics might be considered on the serious side, but people still want to have fun.

So I invite you today and every day to have some fun in your life.

Add joy.

Fold into some goofy.

Sprinkle in lightheartedness.

And roll in laughter. Then laugh so hard your sides hurt and your eyes well with tears.

That, my friend, is a fantastic day! And it also helps you prevent burnout and enhance your mental health.

What makes you laugh this hard?!

12/30/2024

We arrived!!

First day in Buenos Aires!

As I was checking into the hotel, B fell asleep in a chair, as we didn't sleep well on the plane. He was content with not getting up, but the day called for us.

We headed to lunch at a famous and "best" pizza place.

We had half ham, bell peppers and onions and half chicken and tomato. We enjoyed the ham and not the chicken, and B thought it had too much cheese 😁

We rated the $50 pizza a 5. Guess we expected a bit more for that price or less, depending on how you look at it. 😀

We came back to the hotel for a quick nap, before going to the renowned San Telmo market. It was fun to see the difference type of booths, and I was glad to support local artists.

It's my mission to find the best ice cream in the world, so you know, we found some. Mango, Rocher, Dark Chocolate and Oreo did the trick to satisfy but nothing newsworthy. I enjoy trying new flavors, and their selection are flavors we see everywhere. And we were told it was the only ice cream shop around, although we did find two others after walking a while.

Later, we were picked up for dinner and a tango show which was so much fun!

We love trying new foods but B almost gagged on the flan 🤣 He said it had the texture of fish, which he hates.

The tango show was fascinating. I was intrigued by the moves and quick feet.

What was most captivating was an accordion player, who was extremely passionate, and two performers who "twirled" hard balls on strings (not sure how else to describe it). The woman even twirled them using her mouth...most impressive.

They were the show's highlights for me.

Can't wait for what else is in store for us!

12/28/2024

We are off!!

It's that time of year when go on vacation.

Where in the world are we off to?

We will bring in the New Year somewhere new.

If you follow our adventures, you know we will Say Yes to fun, learned lessons and pushing our comfort zones.

Where do you think we are going?

12/07/2024

When you're bored, you get creative. Sometimes those are the best moments!

10/28/2024

Twelve years ago today, my life changed forever.

I had no idea that today was the day.

I woke up and went about my day like many days before it, not knowing today would thrust me into another life…something that is frequently referred to as “before” and “after.”

I felt good. I moved well. Nothing was noticeably different.

Early evening, I went to my mom’s house. We had a game night planned with my sister and brother-in-law. They were also bringing their new baby with them. I LOVE game day, so I was super excited. (I might be a tad bit competitive 😁 )

We are there for a bit, when I go to the bathroom. Something felt “off,” so I called my sister in to chat.

She’s a NICU nurse and is way more knowledgeable about health than I am. After listening and observing, she thought I should go to the hospital.

Unsure if it was really anything, we left my mom’s, dropped my car off at my sister's house and headed to the hospital.

My sister drops me off at the hospital front entrance. I go to the bathroom before I check in. I finish my business, look in the toilet, and there is blood in the toilet.

Trying not to panic (after all, I’m in the best place if something is amiss), I head to check in, wondering where my sister is.

She finally arrives, just in time, as they take me back and get me situated into a room. As the nurses examen me, they ask me questions like “Do you have electricity in your house?”

As though my brain left me (because I was confused at the question), my sister explains the question and then answers it for me.

They ask about my pain, and I reply, “I don’t have any.”

Looking shocked, the nurses say, “We expect you to have pain. Are you sure you don’t?”

“Yep, no pain. I feel great.”

They explain the situation and tell me to “get comfortable,” because apparently, I wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

I brought nothing to the hospital. My mind isn’t ready, and neither are my emotions.

I wasn’t prepared for this or for what came next…

To be continued.

When something unexpected happens, what do you do? Do you respond or react?

Do you have supportive people around you to help you through it?

10/25/2024

Taking breaks is vital to and enhance your mental health.

In your afternoon snack breaks, what do you enjoy?

Sometimes I do healthy, other times I treat myself with an array of theater candy.

The real question is do you like green apple or lime Skittles?

10/24/2024

"You truly are one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had at a big conference like that. Side note- I'd like to share that soooo many of us from the Annual Conference have all embraced your ROCKSTAR status. I see posts and comments all the time about us." --Attendee from a recent conference I keynoted at.

There's nothing like waking up to a message from a participant who was in the audience from one of my recent keynotes.

This message made my day. Not just because it's incredible to receive, but also because it's my goal when I get on stage to leave everyone thinking differently, feeling differently, and actioning differently.

Most importantly, I want them to know they are an integral part of the experience. To take that feeling and to do something with it. To believe in themselves more. To realize they can create a life they love. To do something small to prevent burnout. To know they are worth it. To ignite their own empowerment. To Say Yes MORE!

It was an honor to speak at this event. The energy in the room was palpable. The people there were on fire for more. The camaraderie and community they share is irreplaceable.

These ROCKSTARS didn't know it, but B and I left this event and stage feeling on top of the world. Not because of what we did...but because of how THEY made US feel!

10/22/2024

Sometimes the best experiences are those that you aren’t exactly prepared for.

When B and I headed out on our summer trip this year, we decided to make a quick stop in Paris to experience the Olympics. He had never been to Paris before, and I thought it was the perfect time, filled with unique experiences.

B wanted to see Handball, which was being played about two hours outside of Paris, so we took a train that day just to see this match.

I had never watched handball, and quite frankly, had no idea what it really was, since we don’t really have this type of handball in the States.

For the Norway vs. Slovenia match, we had close seats by the ramp where the players entered and exited. I studied in Norway for my MBA, so I was rooting for them. B selected to root for Norway too, although I’m not sure why.

He became super invested in Norway’s winning, as did I. We were hollering and cheering them on, hanging on every move.

Goals are constantly being scored, so you barely have time to catch a breath between the action.

Fast and fierce, we were on the edge of our seats and loving every minute of it.

Although Norway didn’t win, this was the most spectacular experience.

We were all “in” on the game, as though we knew someone actually playing.

Even though I wasn’t sure what to expect when I bought the handball tickets, we were going in with an open mind and an open heart, with the knowledge that we’d have fun no matter what. And we did.

After the game, the players left via the ramp right beside us, so B asked for them to shake his hand. To one of the Norwegian players I said, “Har det bra,” which happens to be the only Norwegian I remember.

He smiled and we chatted for a little while, while he shook B’s hand and took several pictures with him. My heart swelled so big. How a few moments can imprint in our minds and in our hearts.

Sometimes the best experiences are those that are unexpected and unplanned. Those times in between the action, in between the conversation, in between the big items.

Those moments that will forever stay with you more than fun, more than spectacular. They are memorable, because everything comes together exactly how it should be and nothing you could have planned for, even if you tried.

These times, these moments have the power to prevent and enhance your mental health. They can ignite so much joy, happiness, and peace within you.

What was the last Say Yes Experience you had that created such a moment for you?

How can you be open to the next one that comes along?

10/18/2024

So it begins…

As I sit on the couch reading a book, B is unloading the dishwasher. He is chatty, telling me stories about schoolmates misbehaving.

At first, I’m irritated, because I’m having to reread the same page, not able to focus while he’s talking.

Then it dawns on me…he wants to talk to me, without my provoking a conversation. I quickly put the book down, turn toward him and fully engage in what he’s saying.

I ask probing questions, nod my head and say, “Yeah. Then what?”

I’m interested and hanging on every word.

Then he says, “Mom,”

“Yeah,” replying as though it’s another schoolmate story and having no idea what’s really in store.

“A girl asked me to the dance.”

My breath stops, as I gasp for air from being startled. Not what I was expecting him to say.

In the most unlike-Jessica manner, my voice has an even tone when I reply, “Do you want to go?” (If you know me, you know my voice has tons of inflections, I easily get excited, and my voice is rarely ever even toned 😊)

He says, “Yes.”

Keeping my cool demeanor, “Then you can go.”

He replies, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. No one else asked me.”

I pause then say, “Being asked the first time is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it’s not a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity overall. Others will ask you. You’re funny, fun, handsome, smart, friendly, and likeable. You’ll be asked again, and you’ll ask others. Plus, you can always go with your friends. I always went with friends, and it was a lot of fun. What’s the name of the girl who asked you.”

I’m on pins and needles waiting for the details. He replies, “At lunch. Well actually her friend asked me for her. Her friend says, ‘Brenda (not her real name) wants to go to the dance with you.’ I said, ‘Okay.’ Then her friend said, ‘Is that a yes or no.’ I said, ‘Yes.’”

He pauses and then continues, “Then I didn’t know what to do, so I asked my friend who has a girlfriend. He told me what to do and wear, but I don’t remember anything of what he said”

“Well, you’re not having a girlfriend until you’re 21.” I always make up random high age numbers when I don’t want him to do something (date, ride a motorcycle, etc).

“What?! That’s ridiculous.”

“Maybe, but still. Okay, when is the dance?”

“Next Friday. I’m thinking I can ride my scooter.”

“No, I’ll drop you off. You’re only 11.”

“What about when I’m 12?”

“Do I look dumb?”

“Well, yeah, but…”

I cut him off, “I look dumb?!”

“Oh, no! That’s not what I meant.”

“B, that’s only a two-week difference. You turn 12 in two weeks. You can either accept a ride from me or not go. Are there chaperones?”

He lets out a big grunt with a sigh and says, “Fine, but you can’t stay. Yes, there are.”

“I don’t want to...”

Then again, maybe I’ll volunteer to chaperone 😊

I’m open to any and all advice or suggestions on this new phase with B. Oh, and I’ll definitely be taking my own stress management advice to keep stress at bay during this phase.

10/10/2024

He was jovial, charismatic, funny, and wicked smart. He was also the last person I would ever image to die by su***de. My brother, Jeff, was a man people respected and admired at work and in his personal life.

So when he took his own life right after he turned 40, my world stood still. In fact, everyone who knew him was shocked.

It still pains me, 11 years later.

Oftentimes, people don’t think about their mental health until it becomes affected, but it’s the fundamental foundation of everything you do…and everything you don’t do. Yet when was the last time you thought about what you thought about?!

The more your mental health is impacted, the more it leads to burnout.

When you’re leading to , it impacts your mental health. It’s a vicious cycle, and it’s time to stop that cycle.

These are the biggest issues impacting us at work and at home.

It’s not enough to think about these issues. You must act and do something. Oh, and not just giving resources and expecting people to use them.

Mental health and burnout must be a part of the conversation at work and home.

It’s time to stop the shame. Stop the hiding. It’s time to openly talk about them.

It's World Mental Health Day. It's the perfect day to start. Start embracing these are real issues impacting us.

Start doing more. Start doing something. Start taking action.

And these aren’t just issues impacting adults. Our kids are undergoing a mental health crisis and are feeling burned out.

Bringing light to these issues and providing education, resources and our tech platform is my way of ensuring that people have what they need to prevent and combat these issues. That YOU have what you need to enhance your mental health and prevent burnout.

I want to do everything I can to make sure su***de isn’t a result from burnout.

And that my brother didn’t die in vain.

To my big brother, Jeff, this is for you.

This is for others who need help. This is for those who want to take action to help people with mental health and burnout. This is for everyone, because these are everyone's issues. They are company issues, industry issues, and global issues.

What are you doing to make sure your people and YOU have the skills, tools, and resources to prevent and tackle mental health and burnout?

10/03/2024

As we walked down the street, my mind was wandering, yet B’s mind was on something very specific.

We had just checked off my #1 Say Yes bucket list item…hang gliding.

I had wanted to go hang gliding for over a decade, but life happened…unexpectedly getting pregnant, figuring out the baby by myself thing, unwrapping the puzzle of my career, growing a business, traveling for work. You know….LIFE.

I didn't think about hang gliding for years. The past two years, it came to me in a whisper. Then got louder but wasn’t on the front burner. Rather something that loomed, waiting for an opportunity.

Before B and I went to Switzerland this summer, I researched what we should do, go and experience. I found it…hang gliding.

I jumped up in excitement.

I immediately signed us up wondering if it would be as great as I had dreamed (when you’ve wanted something for so long, expectations can sometimes fall short).

OH.MY.LAND!!! It was soooo much better than I ever dreamed. And we’ll be doing it again.

I digress though.

So, there I was on Cloud 9 living in the hang gliding feeling and not really thinking too much, and B had something on his mind. Something he couldn’t contain.

As he spoke, it was as though I could hear his mind racing a mile a minute, “Should the doors raise up or go out (as he motions his hands to show me).”

“Huh? What are we talking about?”

“Mom, are you even listening?”

“I’m sorry. Start over.”

“My car. We are talking about the car I want to invent.”

“OOOH, we are?!” I’m listening.”

He continues to tell me about his car idea that he has…one that can also glide (like hang gliding).

As he speaks, I’m dumbfounded. Here I am thinking about accomplishing my Say Yes bucket list item (and how amazing that felt), and how that exact same experience spurred something mind-boggling in my 11-year-old (crazy how that happens).

Something that he wants to invent. After he shares his idea in crazy detail, he recognizes he can’t do it alone. He also realizes mama is limited in this field. He knows he needs an engineer, designer, and investor.

His brain never allows him to think it’s not possible or that it’s too big of an idea.

We get back to the hotel. He draws his vision on paper and writes a letter to a famous Robotics engineer he wants help from.

It’s incredible to witness his imagination, his confidence and his ability to go after what he wants.

Imagine if you could take just a little bit of that and incorporate it into your own life.

You have a vision for your life or a dream you want to fulfill, whether it’s a car or hang gliding. Yes, sometimes life gets in the way, but it doesn't have to.

What vision do you have?

Who can you ask for help?

What do you need to make it happen?

This is your sign to Say Yes to yourself.

Let your imagination go wild. Write down your vision. Ask for help.

One small step brings you closer to making it your reality.

09/30/2024

When I was on the verge of years ago, my son B had a great idea, “Let’s start Saying Yes to stuff.”

I immediately thought…what?! As I’m sure the thought of Saying Yes to more things can sometimes feel overwhelming to you.

He continued, “It’s not about Saying Yes to everything. It’s about finding the things that light you up and bring you joy. The things that make you happy.”

That’s how The Say Yes Experience started.

What I’ve found in Saying Yes is that it not only gets you out of your comfort zone and into possibilities, it also prevents burnout and enhances your mental health. It allows you to think and do in new and different ways, allowing you to grow, learn and flourish along the way.

It’s easy to do the same things, go to the same places, eat at the same restaurants and participate in the same experiences.

When you Say Yes to trying something new or different, you’re Saying Yes to yourself…You’re betting on you.

That you will:
* Like it
* Discover something about yourself
* Meet someone
* Build your confidence
* Gain a different perspective
* Engage in a new conversation
* Learn something

So many possibilities exist when you Say Yes, whether it’s in your work or personal life.

What stops you from Saying Yes more?

This weekend, B and I Said Yes to the symphony (B and I have never been). It was fantastic to experience.

I also Said Yes to a first date. I told myself on my birthday a couple of weeks ago, that I would Say Yes to more dates 😊

You never know what will might happen, if you don’t Say Yes.

What will you Say Yes to next?

09/12/2024

"Where's B?"

I'm sure I had a look of confusion on my face, as my mind went to a lady named Bea or one of my best friends growing up that I called Bee.

I couldn't understand why this man I just met was asking me about her.

As though he saw my confusion, he says, "Your son, B."

Ooooh, that makes sense.

"I wanted to meet him."

My new friend started following me on LI and recently saw a post about B (where B spoke at a recent event with me and someone asked if I had written a book on parenting they could buy.. it's in the works now 😉).

He said, "Next year, you have to bring him."

Then a bit later, I found out someone else was hoping I brought B to the event.

How cool is that?! B has a following of his own.

B will love to hear this, as he wanted to come to this event too.

You never know who is watching and who you're impacting.

It might be someone online, someone in another department or someone you interact with at the store.

You can choose to make an impact everywhere you are, whether it's leaving someone with a kind word, a boost of confidence or a high five letting them know they are a ROCKSTAR!

Be you. The world needs you as you.

And you'll often make a difference without even knowing it.

Thank you to all of you who encourage, support and root for B and me. Thank you for being open to the impact we can make and thank you for connecting with us.

We appreciate you!

Next time, I'll be sure to bring him, as I know he'll make an impact just like he did at the last one.

#

08/19/2024

Have you ever had that kind of day?!

The kind that brings so much joy and love to your life that you wonder what you did to deserve it?!

I had the pure honor and pleasure of being the closing keynote at National Association of Women in Construction conference, and it was on FIIIRRE!

Crissy Spivey Ingram, Debbie Ashford Draper and the whole National Association of Women in Construction team did such an incredible job with this event.

It wasn't just the energy in the room, the excited of the participants or the high level of interaction. It was all of that and so much more. It was the camaraderie, the connections, and the pure love they have for each other...wanting to lift each other (and everyone else up).

I loved how they came to grow, learn and play.

And the best part?! How they loved, cheered, and encouraged B Man (Blaise) when he was on stage. Even when I was walking off stage, B says, "I have one more thing." And they supported and engaged with him.

We left the event on a PURE and UTTER HIGH! Because of all the LOVE they gave us! Everyone needs to be a part of a community like this.

If you know anyone in construction, this event is a must attend!

Thank you, thank you, thank you NAWIC and every single person who was there. You brought so much joy, laughter and fun to our lives. You are forever in our hearts!

Keep being your awesome, ROCKSTAR selves!

07/25/2024

We are off!!

Vacation here we come.

Where do you think we are going?

07/24/2024

Last keynote before our vacation was super exciting.

Even when we are talking about , we make sure go include so many laughable moments (especially with participants) and loads of fun!

Look at what the audience said and you be the judge.

Here's to ending on a high and to the start of some amazing vacation time.

Let's go!!

07/23/2024

I'm off...

Up at 315 am for an early flight.

Last keynote before B and I take off on vacation.

Excited to help leaders in healthcare prevent and beat burnout.

06/27/2024

Everyone needs an assistant like mine.

Yesterday, while I was working, B surprised me with hot tea just the way I like it.

A few minutes later, he brought me lunch. A new recipe of lettuce cups he created and "had" to try first to make sure they were edible. They were so good.

Then a quick shoulder massage to inspire me and keep my momentum going.

Everyone needs a B man.

Address

Fort Worth, TX

Website

https://jessicarector.com/, http://thesayyesexperience.com/

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Videos

When you're bored, you get creative. Sometimes those are the best moments!

Ever been to this kind of airport chaos? how would you find your way out of this maze? ✈️ #fbreels #reelsfb #viralreels #sayyes #thesayyesexperience #jessandbman #momandsonduo #momandsongoals #momandsonadventures #airportmaze #airportchaos #travelchallenge #navigatingairports #travelexperience #lostinairports

5 ways to achieve greatness #fbreels #reelsfb #viralreels #sayyes #thesayyesexperience #jessicarector #jessandbman #momandsonduo #momandsongoals #momandsonadventures #achievegreatness #successtips #greatnessjourney #selfimprovement #personalgrowth #successmindset

Unveiling out new company shirt at tomorrow's keynote for leaders. #preventburnout

This is an awesome Say Yes Experience you have to add to your Say Yes List! #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #fypシ #sayyes #thesayyesexperience #jessandbman #momandsonduo #momandsongoals #momandsonadventures #shipwreck

Another Say Yes item checked off! #fbreels #reelsfb #viralreels #sayyes #thesayyesexperience #jessandbman #traveltips #familyfun #familytravel #singlemomtravel #bestvacations #familyadventures #camelride #ridingcamels #sayyeslist

If you missed B and my segment on Dr Phil's Morning on Merit Street this week, you can watch it now. We had the pleasure of being interview ed by the amazing Dominique Sachse and Fanchon Stinger. These ladies are super fun, and I loved how they really helped B look good and succeed on his first time on live TV. We would love your thoughts on the segment and what we should do next. #preventburnout #thesayyesexperience #MorningonMeritStreet #mentalhealth

Ever tried one of these escape games? You should definitely have this on your Say Yes List! #fbreels #reelsfb #viralreels #sayyes #thesayyesexperience #jessandbman #momandsonduo #momandsongoals #momandsonadventures #escapegames #escaperoomexperience #sayyeslist #puzzlesolving #escapechallenge #escapegamefun #bestescapegame

Amazing segment on Morning on Merit Street today. B and I discussed how to ignite The Say Yes Experience in your own life. We asked for viewers help in deciding what we should do next. Which one gets your vote? 1. Paintball 2. A day on a ranch and milking cows 3. Going to Germany eating German food 4. Other (share your idea in the comments) PS. Dominique got the blue memo (and same shade of blue) too! #preventburnout #mentalhealth #thesayyesexperience

B's most beautiful place he's seen. What's yours? #fbreels #reelsfb #viralreels #sayyes #thesayyesexperience #jessandbman #momandsonduo #beautifulplaces #mostbeautifulplace #worldwonders #beautifulscenery