This episode is brought to you by Furtuna Skin: Italian, olive oil–based skincare that’s pure, potent, and transformative. Try their eye revitalizing cream and more at https://www.furtunaskin.com, and get 20% off your first purchase with code VALERIA20. In this solo episode of Not Alone, Valeria opens up about the emotional work she’s doing behind the scenes as she enters her next stage of growth. From revisiting therapy and learning how to embrace joy after being raised in a “survival household,” to reflecting on vulnerability, creativity, and her openness to new things living in Miami. Valeria shares an honest glimpse into the challenges and breakthroughs shaping her right now. She questions how to be both an emotional and high-functioning person and wonders if it’s possible. She answers listener questions with her signature candor, talks about the pressure of always being “on” online, and even revisits stories from her past, including her “trophy wife” days and a behind-the-scenes Victoria’s Secret moment that made her step away from modeling. It’s a thoughtful, intimate conversation on emotional growth, choosing joy and stepping into a new chapter with more presence and purpose. Shop my look from this episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/2501087?tab=collections Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  Books I Mentioned: The Many Lives of Mama Love - https://www.amazon.com/Many-Lives-Mama-Love-Stealing/dp/1982197668 God Wears Lipstick - https://www.amazon.com/God-Wears-Lipstick-Kabbalah-Women/dp/1571895817 The Art of Thinking Clearly - https://www.amazon.com/Art-Thinking-Clearly-Rolf-Dobelli/dp/0062219693 What we talked about:  0:24 - Start 1:10 - Working overtime on my emotional state 3:00 - Needing help for the next evolution of Valeria 4:05 - Revisiting therapy  6:35 - “I cried of course” 7:30 - Being at the right place at the right time 8:36 - Needing more joy in life  11:14 - Furtuna Skin Ad 12;33 - “I don't trust emotions” 14:49 - Being raised in a survival household 16:00 - “I’m ready to embrace joy” 17:15 - Answering listener questions 17:19 - Being vulnerable online 19:20 - Wanting to work on being less cautious online 20:31 - What I’m enjoying most about Miami 23:03 - Men being attracted to caretaker types 24:15 - Reminiscing on trophy wife days 25:48 - Pressure to always be “on” creatively  27:39 - Have any past failures kept you from trying something new? 28:48 - Victoria’s Secret story 31:30 - Ben’s camp calling Gary first 33:31 - Valeria’s Book Recs 33:42 - The Many Lives of Mama Love 35:47 - God Wears Lipstick 36:18 - The Art of Thinking Clearly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices