EP #39 Having a Resilient Mindset with GIGI SABBAT
My guest today has done so much with her time on Earth. Gigi Sabbat is a first-generation Haitian-American, motivational speaker, and a best-selling author. She is the host of the Walk With Me Podcast and sexual violence and domestic assault advocate. She is an experienced leader who has adopted a conservative approach to help Christians grow spiritually, financially, professionally, and personally by setting clear and measurable goals for those ready to take action and experience life growth and transformation.
Gigi truly believes multi-skilled individuals make great leaders when utilizing their skills for the greater good and overall fulfilling God's purpose for our lives and to serve his people.
Gigi's Life and Childhood
With her parents arriving in the United States 35 years ago from Haiti, Gigi was the first-born American in her family and was brought up in Coral Springs, Florida. Her parents were strict regarding education, and she was very focused on her studies. At eight-years-old, however, she was sexually assaulted and affected her life tremendously. The abuse was from extended family members, and she did not tell anyone about the abuse until the age of 18 when she spoke to her mother about what happened. Had her mother known, she would not have let her be around those family members.
"When something like that happens to you, especially at an early age, you have to make a decision to make: if you're going to live from a place of hate or out of love." Gigi chose love and decided to move forward no matter what obstacles or challenges life puts in her path.
Almost Losing Her Life to Domestic Violence
She was attacked at home and almost strangled to death. Her abuser took her phone and threw it across the room. "I'll never forget that when I got up to go get my phone, next thing I know, I fell flat like a vegetable." Not knowing why at the time, she now knows through her domestic violence advocates that she lost consciousness as a result of not having enough oxygen to her brain. Strangulation is the number one cause of death in domestic violence relationships, and she is fortunate to be alive!
Not Blaming Yourself for What Happens to You
Gigi teaches others that no matter how many precautions you take, there is always a chance for abuse. Importantly, you can't blame yourself for what happened, and you still need to take precautions in the future to lessen the chances of abuse. Additionally, Gigi teaches others the narcissistic character traits to look out for, so they don't end up in an abusive relationship.
She was also sexually assaulted in a public venue as an adult, and she teaches how to go back to your history but continue to move forward with a resilient mindset. Gigi continues her followers to grow, no matter what challenges they face.
Links and Resources
Chat with Gigi on Instagram
Tweet with Gigi on Twitter
Connect with Gigi on LinkedIn
Grab a copy of Walk with Me
Join Me on Speak Loud Platform
Speak Loud Podcast on the web
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