As Gabrielle Bernstein walked onstage in front of a large crowd in Gifford Auditorium, her initial appearance was not that of a self-proclaimed ‘Spiritual Junkie.’ The slender blonde in skinny jeans and a pair of high-heeled boots looked more like a Syracuse University student than an entrepreneur and motivational speaker.

But as Bernstein shared her personal struggles and triumphs from her latest book, ‘Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles,’ her experiences and honesty resonated with the audience.

Throughout her college career, Bernstein wrestled with multiple eating disorders and addictions to drugs and alcohol. She said she had a case of the ‘must-haves,’ in which she sought material goods to feel better about herself.

While a student at SU, Bernstein said, she struggled to become successful through her friends, her career and her material worth.

‘When I was here at Syracuse University, I felt very misunderstood, very uncomfortable in my skin,’ Bernstein said. ‘I felt like I was incomplete and unworthy, I felt like I was constantly in this hamster wheel to find my purpose and my self-worth. It was just a horrifying experience that I’m sure many people resonate with.’

Bernstein transformed her life to become a successful entrepreneur and spiritual teacher after graduating in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in drama.

‘I said there has to be a better way. I need a miracle. I woke up and my inner voice said to me, ‘Get it together, girl, and you’ll have everything you want. You’ll have a life beyond your wildest dreams,” Bernstein said. ‘I have been listening to that voice ever since and living the Spirit Junkie way.’

From this realization, Bernstein said she became a student of her own life, making her own happiness and positive thoughts her primary function. From this personal change came her inspiration to inspire others to do the same, Bernstein said.

Bernstein spent the day touring the campus, speaking to the drama department and the Delta Delta Delta sorority, which she was a part of during her career at SU, she said.

Aside from working on the speaking circuit, Bernstein has also published two self-help books, the first titled ‘Add More ~Ing to Your Life.’ Bernstein also spoke about plans to publish her third self-help book in winter 2012, titled ‘The Loveitarian Way.’

To help women in the entrepreneurial field, Bernstein founded the Women’s Entrepreneurial Network and HerFuture.com, resources that help women make business connections.

Fellow 2001 SU graduate Robyn Youkilis, a holistic health coach, spoke alongside Bernstein at the lecture. Youkilis candidly shared her struggles with body image and offered advice on improving diet and self-esteem.

‘What I’ve learned over time is to really check in with myself and how I’m feeling. I got rid of that fear inside me that isn’t very nice and remembers names like ‘Lard Butt,” Youkilis said.

For students like Chelsea Damberg, a senior broadcast journalism and policy studies major, Bernstein’s advice brought waves of positivity and self-motivation.

‘I feel like I’m in a good spiritual place right now. It was really encouraging because I think women on our campus can relate to Gabby,’ Damberg said. ‘We get caught up in making a name for ourselves and getting a big job, and I think Gabby really reinforced that we are here, and it is about your happiness in the end.’

htemple@syr.edu 

Published on October 19, 2011 at 12:00 pm