New Year Reflections

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Shakera is in a stand up pose and smiling as the header photo for the blog post

New Year Reflections

What lessons from 2021 am I carrying with me.

Hello? Is this thing on?!


The blog got abandoned ya’ll! OMG - I apologize! All I remember is starting a plant based meal plan back in June and the world became foggy! lol. (ref: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CPZuIL8FQNQ) Like seriously. I was so locked in to the world around me. Although I enjoyed creating monthly recap videos on my instagram, I really did miss how therapeutic writing was. Happy to be back and happy to start sharing here again. Consider this a reflectionary, welcome back post.

2021 ended so long ago but it left us with so many lessons. There were downs, loss and much grief but there was also much to be proud of. 2021 taught me to be present in each moment and celebrate my wins. 

Here are a few highlights I would like to share with you from this past year:

  • Named one of the top 100 health leaders in Canada: https://www.optimyz.com/optimyz-top-100-health-leaders-2021
    This was such a nice surprise and felt even better seeing my melanin skin take up space in a wellness magazine.

  • Partnered with Lululemon on a community wellness event: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSkYXbYlhWy

  • Selected as a keynote speaker for the CanFit pro fitness conference: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSdEGVfHP-i
    Had such an incredible time delivering the opening keynote speech to the beautiful souls at the 7th annual “Women Who Influence” event during the conference.

  • I went 60 straight days on a plant based meal plan. Thank you to the Alldunamis Wellness Center for supporting me through this experience. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences ever. I developed such a strong understanding of my overall health and how to manage it through lifestyle practices for my specific needs.

Shakera is seated on the floor beside a plant. She is wearing a cream sweater and blue ripped jeans.

False Evidence Appearing Real.

“The fears we don’t face become our limits”
— Robin Sharma


2021 reminded me that some decisions may be scary but it is important to push past your fear and bet on yourself. Release limiting beliefs about your capabilities.

Fear is a normal human response.

When we imagine things outside of ourselves that we have little or no control over, we tend to panic.

The thing is, fear can be a great motivator if we redirect the energy in a positive way. Harness that energy to motivate yourself into action.

Cultivate Joy.

“On the healing journey, feeling worthy of joy and rest is a massive step. It requires a consistent practice to be able to surrender into it. Embodying authentic joy can be the greatest challenge faced because of the immense amount of vulnerability required to feel at ease.”
— Devi Brown

2021 reminded me to prioritize joy and do more of what lights me up. Joy raises your frequency causing you to attract similar energy into your life. Joy is a source of light within you.

When you’re not operating in your purpose, you are always going to feel like you are dim… like you’re made to do more. Cultivating joy keeps you plugged into your light so make your best efforts to stay connected.

You can also help keep that light shining by eating bright and nutritious foods, participating in activities that fuel you, and being mindful of your choices for the future. This isn’t always easy to do - but daily consistent practice and intention will help. Stay committed - your future self depends on it.

There is so much to navigate and the world seems to shift day by day… but none of that can stop your greatness. A lot of good can happen in a year so continue to do your best. Sending love and encouragement to you all… plus a friendly reminder that you got this. WE GOT THIS!

Shakera is in a standing pose where she is laughing and wearing a cream shirt with jeans

Photos By: Anthony Berot