2022 Reflections
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2022 Reflections
A look back at the past year.
Happy New Year Everyone! Welcome to my annual blog where I reflect on the year that has passed.
2022 was a preview of just how good it can get!
I set out to surpass the goals that I set for myself; and in many ways I did just that. Most days were really hard on me mentally and physically but I am extremely grateful for the work I have done over the years to develop strong support systems.
The past year included a variety of loss - from people to relationships, to things. Such is life they say, but that didn’t make coping any easier. In the spring, beloved Jamaican patty shop Randy’s closed their doors. This restaurant was such a huge part of my upbringing and Caribbean identity in Toronto. Since there has been often times I would say to myself, “let me go grab some curry goat from Randy’s”, only to remember that they are no longer in business. I really hope they do come back.
Rest in peace Peter Moncrieffe, my beloved fitness trainer and member of the Alldunamis family. Who we lost unexpectedly. I continue to lift his family and ministry up in prayer. His celebration of life was such a beautiful display of how he loved and was loved. We will miss you.
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains”
Then there was the tragic loss of Twitch. This tragic news of how he passed was absolutely gutting; I’m still in disbelief. Although he was a public figure that I never met, he was a legend in the dance community and gave us a positive example of what was possible as a Black dance artist. His success on So You Think You Can Dance was such a source of inspiration for me early in my dance career. It was an honour to watch him grow, start his family and blossom as a public figure. I will cherish the Breakfast Television episode we shared in 2021.
For some reason 2022 felt like three years in one. January - March, while Toronto was still in lock down, was slow and steady. The pace was great. I was able to strategize what I wanted the year to look like and prepare for the days aheads.
From April -August, things picked up intensely and did not stop. We were outside again for the first time in months! During this time, I built beautiful brand partnerships, grew Carnival Spice and navigated challenging family dynamics. I worked my butt off ya’ll and served with my whole heart. Still, there was joy mixed with chaos and celebration combined with some sadness. Still we rise.
Then boom, it was like September came in as a whole new year, and my world halted. I was TIRED. Not burnt out, just really tired and had no interest in doing anything but sleep. So that I did. I finally made time to travel since the pandemic and really took this time to heal and rest.
With that said, I feel really proud of what I’ve accomplished this past year.
Here are a few moments I would like to highlight:
Worked with brands such as: City of Toronto, Pepsi, CAMH, Trillium Health, Phnx Fit House, Jamieson Canada, Canada’s Wonderland and more.
Created a trending soca tik tok challenge to Kes The Band’s “Jolene”
Met Shensea, @thebirdspapaya, and Devi brown, plus watched Spice and Londrelle perform live.
Won the Afropolitan Canada award for “Influencer of the Year”.
Performed a Toronto Blue Jays game!!!!!
Mc’d the first Caribbean Carnival parade in Atlantic Canada.
Developed a beautiful a partnership with Knix.
Took a vacation out of the country.
The quote above is an affirmation that I crafted in the most beautiful and supportive environment while on vacation a few weeks ago. May it be the foundation for the year ahead as I am met with the ebbs and flows of life.
Joy is key. Forgiveness is key. Discipline is key.
To whoever may need this, I am happy I can share it with you… releasing it out of my notebook and into the atmosphere.
2023 I welcome more love, more light and more ease… and I would love the same for you. Thank you for reading.
Xo,
Shakera
