Olimpo Monsalve
Olimpo Monsalve, director and co-founder of Ser Vivir con Amor, is a leader who transformed his own experience with addiction more than 13 years ago into a mission of service. Guided by faith and values such as love, he dedicates himself to closely supporting those seeking recovery, living alongside them. His dream is to expand the organization to provide free support, reflecting his purpose of transforming lives through service and love.
We now share an interview with Olimpo Monsalve.
Interview
How did your recovery journey begin?
My recovery journey began in a very difficult way. Thirteen years ago, I entered a rehab center for the first time, and it was there that I had an encounter with God. At that moment, I realized this was my path, that I could help many people. During the first seven years I knew I was good at this, but I wanted a “normal” life, with my own business, and I tried several times. But somehow, I always ended up in places like these, helping people.
How did you prepare yourself for this role?
My training was more a calling from God than my own decision. People used to tell me, “Olimpo, you’re made for this.” Over time, I trained, completing theo-therapeutic and therapeutic diplomas, and gradually prepared myself.
What is your leadership like in the foundation?
My way of leading is 100% by example. First, I show a person how to do something by doing it myself. Then I accompany them while they do it, and finally, I let them do it on their own. I work with the residents, I live with them. My leadership is not only institutional, it is day-to-day. I take care of everything: meals, the guys, building real companionship with them.
What motivates you to keep going?
What motivates me is that I can live clean and be useful. In Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous programs we are taught that only by helping other addicts can we stay clean. That brings me happiness, knowing I am useful, that I can live in peace.
What values are fundamental in your life and in the foundation?
Love, tolerance, and respect. These are the basic values that guide us. I am nothing more than a servant. When we hold spiritual retreats, I am not the founder or the director, I am just one more. More than an authority, I am a source of encouragement for others.
What do you dream of for the future of Ser Vivir con Amor?
My dream is to have a 100% free center, where anyone who knocks on the door can be welcomed: man, woman, elderly, child, young person. To reach the national level, offering recovery at no cost. Because I was lifted from the ashes, from the depths of hell, to bring light and hope to another addict. That is Ser Vivir con Amor: a corporation born from addicts for addicts, so that we can all be useful and happy.
