LOVE Yourself: Eva Garza Nyer

I met Eva about 15 years ago when our husband became friends through YMBL.  We all went to dinner and the guys were like, you two are going to be friends.  I think shortly after we all started having babies and didn’t see each other much.  Fast forward a few years and our lives start intertwining again with our husbands, kids and living in the same community.  However, it’s not really even just that our lives overlap, but it’s truly that I love this beautiful person.  She’s spicy, fun, super sharp, hard working, loving, extremely interesting, well traveled and I could go on and on.  Needless to say, our husbands were right!

Eva has been in education for many years with an impressive resume including her sought after business Texas College Advisor.  For years, I’ve always inquired about what’s going on in the college admissions process not because I had kiddos in the midst of this, but because I was curious.  Eva is a wealth of knowledge, but I know her super power is to connect with these high school kids with heart, kindness, intellect, and a common goal to help them reach their potential as they enter the next stage of their life.

I felt like Eva is such a great example of LOVE Yourself given her background working with kids, her family, her upbringing, her education and career.  She’s such a gem and I know you all will love her as much as I do!!!

1. What does LOVEyourself mean to you?

Loveyourself means respecting your worth and treating yourself with the same care and loyalty you give to those you love. It’s about recognizing your strengths without denying your flaws, forgiving your mistakes, and continuously choosing growth over self-criticism. It also means setting boundaries, nourishing your body, soul, and mind, and seeking peace in being authentically you—without needing validation from anyone else or anything.

2. Did you have someone that exuded a positive body image for you growing up?  A family member, friend, mentor, etc.

My mother exuded a positive body image growing up. She confidently embraced her appearance and advocated self-acceptance. In a time when Hispanic females were rarely seen on print or TV, she embraced Latina physical characteristics. She often questioned the efforts of many who worked hard to look less ethnic. Her candidness about body image, self-love, and challenging societal expectations has made a lasting impact on me and my children.

3. Do you tear your body apart vocally?  Do you praise your body vocally?

I probably do both, but lean on the praise side. We live in a world of comparison, filters, and touch-ups. It's easy to strive for perfection when in truth, it doesn't exist! I want my children to strive for spiritual and emotional growth rather than physical. With that said, I encourage eating well, physical activity, and time in nature.

4. Are you working to improve your mindset around body image or is it a neutral mindset for you?

I strive always to be a work in progress. Practicing self-compassion has been instrumental in how I see myself. I challenge negative thoughts and replace them with kind ones. When it comes to my body, I focus on function rather than appearance. I appreciate what my body can do —walking, swimming, hugging —not just how it looks. I try to limit comparison and remind myself that images are often filtered and edited. I surround myself with positive influences by spending time with people who promote confidence and acceptance. I take care of my body (exercise), mind (read), and soul (church & Bible study). Lastly, I express gratitude nightly when I pray with my kids before bed.

5. Do you have anyone that you are trying to set a healthy example for?

My children and the teenagers I work with. I am blessed to have found my calling as a College Counselor. Helping teens navigate the overwhelming college admissions process has been a career that I've loved for the past 22 years. I help students recognize their innate gifts and determine how to apply them to the world of work. This is why loving who you are is so important; if teens can't see their worth. It won't be easy to convince a college or an employer.