Actress Jane Seymour arrives at the premiere of the movie "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" May 19, 2002 in Los Angeles, CA. (Getty Images/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

When the economy goes on life support, people turn inward, even become a little self-absorbed. Whether you're laid off, bought out or need to bolster your income, the question often becomes, "What can I do?"

Jane Seymour, whose list of activities is about as long as her luxurious hair, puts a subtle spin on the question, turning it to, "What needs can I fill?"

"When you can't do what you used to do, or you tried to do something and it didn't work, you have to ask yourself, is this all you know?" Seymour said. "Sometimes, we need to take another look at ourselves and ask, 'What else do people need that's a need I can fill?'"

Seymour, 57, whose acting career may be best known for roles that range from James Bond's love interest Solitaire to pioneer physician Dr. Quinn, will be the keynote speaker at the WomenVenture luncheon during its conference Friday.

"A lot of people give up before they ever start because people are afraid," she said. "I love this quote: Fear is false evidence appearing real. When you think about it, it's just so true. You can fear everything. You can drive yourself so crazy that you can't take your next breath."

Seymour said she's learned the importance of living in the moment, and of accepting change. Meanwhile, she also works to create change. Besides acting, her pursuits include working to raise awareness of the water crisis facing the United States and the world, working on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children, and supporting research into breast cancer and spinal cord injuries. She's become a painter and a home furnishings designer.

Still, she made time to compete in "Dancing With the Stars" last season, prodded by the single "Yes!" voiced by her mother, who had suffered a stroke. "I was as close to a depression as any time in my life, but she wanted me to do this, and so I did it for her." Seymour's mother died a month later at 92.

At Friday's conference, she'll talk about how she's learned to adapt to change, "which has really been the theme of my life." Ironically, her education began when she almost died.

Twenty years ago, she had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic while filming in Spain. She saw the white light, saw her spiritual soul hovering over her body, "and it does kind of motivate you when you get back in your body, not to waste a moment," she said.

So, we'd all benefit from having a near-death experience?

"Or listen to people who've had them, and trust us."

Kim Ode • 612-673-7185