In childhood, we are taught to love ourselves unconditionally; indeed, we inherently possess self-love without a concept of its absence. However, as we mature, our perception of beauty evolves, and we often find ourselves conforming to societal norms to attain that elusive sense of beauty.
This was the narrative of Yvette Salva, a once-young girl from Spain who migrated to America, only to be engulfed by culture shock that left an indelible mark on her life. She grappled with a profound sense of not belonging.
Yvette’s initial battle with addiction manifested through food, serving as a mechanism to exert control over her eating habits and engaging in rigorous exercise routines. Struggling with body image issues, she spiraled into the clutches of anorexia and bulimia. Subsequently, Yvette found solace in the destructive embrace of alcohol and cocaine, the genesis of which traced back to the deep emotional wounds incurred during her teenage years.
The turning point arrived when Yvette, hitting rock bottom and facing homelessness, made a resolute decision to break free from the shackles of her addictions. Exhausted from the cycle of sickness and fatigue, she sought refuge in rehabilitation, this time driven by an internal resolve to reclaim her life.
Presently, Yvette stands as a beacon of inspiration—a personal trainer, coach, and proud owner of her own gym. Her mission is to empower and uplift women at every stage of their lives, guiding them to become the best versions of themselves. Yvette aspires to create a lasting legacy, proving that transformative shifts in mindset and perspective are achievable with the right support.
Yvette, now a mother of two, joyfully commemorates two decades of sobriety
Key discussion points include:
1. Yvette’s transition to becoming a coach to instill the belief that one can alter their thought patterns.
2. The transformative power of changing one’s thinking to enhance daily well-being.
3. The inherent strength gained by individuals who have hit rock bottom.
4.The realization that the journey towards recovery must be a personal choice, initiated when an individual genuinely wants it.
Yvette shares insights into her daily routine, emphasizing the role of fitness:
- Engaging in daily exercise.
- Journaling as a consistent practice.
- Reading 10 pages each day.
Timestamps of key moments in the podcast:
1:33 – 5:11: Yvette recounts her cultural shock from Spain to America.
6:07 – 6:47: The correlation between drugs and emotional wounds.
7:08 – 7:55: Yvette reflects on how a different understanding of her worth as a teenager could have shaped her life differently.
8:20 – 9:58: Yvette shares her journey of recovery from rock bottom.
11:36 – 12:28: The impact of alcohol and drugs on losing everything.
15:38 – 16:02: Yvette’s initial motivations for turning to alcohol.
18:57 – 20:40: How fitness became Yvette’s saving grace in overcoming addiction.