In the latest in our WISE WORDS interview series - where stars from a whole range of fields share the important life lessons they’ve learned along the way - we’re posing some of the big questions to Eva Longoria.
Best known for her role as maneater Gabrielle Solis in hit US drama ‘Desperate Housewives’, Eva was recently unveiled as one of the judges tasked with dividing a portion of Chivas’ $1million fund amongst inspirational social entrepreneurs in a project entitled The Venture.
Here, she reveals what she considers the biggest luxury to be and why education is key to mobility in life.
What do you do to switch off from the world?
I love to sleep - I get eight hours a day. And I like a good massage and to go to spas.
How do you deal with negativity?
I don’t. I don’t deal with it at all in any aspect of my life. It’s not even allowed in my life so there’s no coping mechanism for it.
When and where are you happiest?
With my family. I love going to dinner with them, going into a restaurant and being the loudest people there, and people looking at us like we’re crazy. Physically, I’m probably happiest in Mexico.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Probably from my mum who said to never forget where you come from. I think she told me that in high school.
What has been the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
I’m always getting lessons in life. One of them, not necessarily hard, is that education is key to mobility in life. I was taught that very early in life, and that’s probably the reason I went back to school and got my degree and my masters degree. I grew up with a family of teachers so it was ingrained into me. My life’s work has been my philanthropy and my social advocacy fits in with The Venture that I’m doing, because it makes it profitable. Sometimes people think social advocacy and profitability can’t go together, but it can and it must in order for certain change to be sustainable.
What would you tell your 13-year-old self?
Fasten your seatbelt, because it’s going to be a great ride!
What three things are at the top of your to-do list?
Travel, travel, travel. It is the greatest luxury in the world and I love being able to see different places, different people, different culture, different languages and I really think it’s important for people to see how small the world we live in is. I’d still love to go to Egypt.
What do you think happens when we die?
I don’t know, that’s probably too deep.
When do you feel a sense that we live in the presence of something bigger than ourselves?
My philanthropy work makes me remember that there are bigger issues than my career. My mother taught us about the importance of volunteering from a young age, and it impacted me for the rest of my life. Working with charities helps me see that we can all make a difference in other people’s lives. Being able to help those who are less fortunate and who may not have their voices listened to, makes me feel as though I am contributing to the bigger picture in life.
What do you try and bring to your relationships?
Honesty and compassion. Always. I always try and keep a strong sense of trust with my partner; I think it is the most important aspect of a relationship. I also try and maintain my sense of personal identity while in a relationship so that I never lose myself in my relationships.
What keeps you grounded?
My family and my friends keep me grounded. I’m still the same Texas girl. I’ve had the same friends for 20 years so they are my family too. My support system keeps me in check.
What was the last good deed or act of kindness you received?
I was on a flight the other day and a man gave me his blanket because I was cold. If you pay attention, you’ll find good deeds everywhere.
To find out more about the judges and to vote for your favourite Chivas The Venture finalists, visit www.TheVenture.com.
