Reflections: Two Years of Viva La Yves

Viva La Yves made its debut during Pride month in June 2022, while I was traveling. I celebrated its official launch with a heartfelt event in Longwood, FL on September 18, 2022.

I've taken copies of my book across the country, sharing it in diverse settings—from casual chats after class, in studio session breaks, engaging discussions with professors, and even rabbis— it has been instrumental in addressing complex religious topics and more, blending personal insights with meaningful conversations.

This book holds immense significance for me, yet I've found myself hesitating to promote it openly or push it into the hands of readers. I've begun to question why that is. What's my strategy for sharing a published book? What exactly am I aiming to achieve with it? These questions constantly swirl in my mind as I navigate this journey.

The quote "we all breathe the same air" really hits home for me because being a published author doesn't change how I see myself compared to others. I've never wanted to force my metaphorical stories on anyone. These poems are incredibly personal to me, and sometimes I wonder why I decided to share them in the first place.

Writing them was like therapy—I'd jot down notes in my iPhone's notes app, cry late at night as I poured out my heart and soul.

Ultimately, my goal was to connect with readers on a deeper level, to encourage them to embrace their own feelings and find comfort in their journey.

I'm all about spreading the love for loving yourself. But honestly, there are times when I struggle to practice what I preach. I mean, who doesn't have those days, right? It feels like I'm being a bit of a hypocrite at times.

But here's the thing—I've learned that loving the skin you're in goes way beyond just how you look. But I want to teach others to love the skin they're it without forcing it on to people, too.

It's about accepting every part of yourself, even the messy, imperfect bits. It's about embracing your emotions, recognizing your strengths, and giving yourself grace.

For me, writing has been a lifeline. It's where I pour out all those feelings, even the ones that make me uncomfortable. It's through this journey that I'm learning to love myself more authentically, beyond being someone who can model nude in front of thousands.

If I can share this journey with others and help them find their own path to self-acceptance, then I'm all in.

In essence, feeling your feelings and loving the skin you're in reveal profound aspects of humanity.

This book isn't just another title on a shelf at Barnes & Noble. It transcends "Gen-Z internet" and Pinterest poetry. It's a testament to my journey, a proof that I've navigated life and more, and can inspire others to embrace their emotions and keep pushing forward.

Viva La Yves isn't just a book to me—it's my guts spilled onto pages, a canvas with my deepest emotions and experiences. It's an invitation to embrace our minds, flaws, and journey towards self-love with bravery and kindness. As a published author, the road isn't always smooth, but each book sold signifies a connection made, a soul touched, and a step towards nurturing empathy in our world.

I'm deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me on this path. If you haven't yet joined me on this adventure, I warmly invite you to dive into the rich exploration of human emotion and resilience waiting within the pages of Viva La Yves.

To Order a Book/s: https://forms.gle/k7ZgU391rJ69zZVM6

For Questions and Connections,

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgetty.artmodel/

Feel your feelings

Love the skin you're in

Keep creating

Janna