When No One Thinks You Have a Problem: Addiction, Shame and Self-Worth with Christa Royal

Episode 011: In this powerful episode, I sit down with Christa Royal—a 1000-hr Certified Yoga Instructor, Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, and a woman walking the path of sobriety for the past 14 years. Christa shares her deeply personal story of growing up with early patterns of addiction, beginning with chocolate in childhood, and how those coping mechanisms eventually evolved into an adult struggle with alcohol.

We explore the emotional terrain beneath addiction, including shame, people-pleasing, and self-doubt and how these patterns often mask deeper unmet needs. Christa speaks openly about how she was overwhelmed by a quiet but powerful longing to overcome her addiction. Others didn’t necessarily view her drinking as a problem, but she knew herself and what needed to happen.

We discuss what it means to cultivate self-compassion in recovery, how yoga and spiritual practice can awaken emotional awareness, and why connection and community are essential for lasting healing. Christa offers wisdom on navigating sobriety in social settings, trusting yourself again, and holding space for loved ones who may still be struggling.

This episode is an invitation to look beyond the surface of addiction and into the heart of what it means to come home to yourself—one breath, one truth, and one act of courage at a time.

Whether you’re on your own recovery path, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about the deeper emotional roots of addictive patterns, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired, seen, and deeply supported.

Key Takeaways:

• How Christa turned to alcohol to feel connected—and how she bravely changed her life path 14 years ago.
• How ‘shame dies when people speak.’
• How finding a loving community can help you learn to be compassionate toward yourself.
• How loved ones can unintentionally make getting sober harder, through their denial and resistance.
• How substance abuse is trivialized in social settings and can make people in recovery second guess themselves.
• Why suggesting people need to “hit rock bottom” before they can change, lacks compassion.
• How to offer support and compassion to loved ones with addiction issues.
• The power of loving ourselves through the messiness of life.

Key Links:

• Christa’s Website: https://www.christaroyal.ca
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christa.royal.2025
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christa_royal/

About the Guest:

Christa Royal is a radiant source of love, healing, and empowerment. Now in her 14th year of sobriety, she brings deep wisdom and professional training to her work. With a Certificate in Concurrent Disorders and a 1000-hour Certified Yoga Instructor, Christa offers heart-centred coaching that blends compassion, authenticity, and soul connection. She gently guides women back home to themselves—rediscovering self-love, inner peace, and the compassion they’ve always deserved.

Intro Music by Brenda McMorrow – All One Song from the album “My Heart Bows Down to You”. brendamcmorrow.com