My 2024 recapped
Just a personal reflection of some highlights of my year with snippets and pics.
I have to say, there was a ton happening to me personally in 2024. And for me to say this is kind of a big deal since I don’t celebrate myself or my achievements much. In all seriousness, I am still trying very hard to overcome my imposter syndrome, and I am not so sure it will go away any time soon, but that annoying inner critic who pops up every now and then isn’t popping up as much. I think this is a good thing.
So here’s how 2024 went for me, in no particular order:
1. I traveled to Bali
I think I am starting with this because I - 1. Love to travel 2. This was truly an epic vacation. Some dear family friends were turning 50, and they planned an amazing getaway for their close family and friends. I love the water and will always choose a destination for swimming and ocean exploring, but there were also really great cultural and nature elements to this trip as well.
One thing about me is that I have an adventurous side that I am pretty sure comes from my dad. I will try anything most things once. We rode ATVs, which I was super excited about, but while riding it, I realized it was harder than it looked. I also got my first tattoo in Bali. Yes, I said first. It wasn’t planned, but I got one that I won’t ever regret, and why not do this on such an epic trip? Needless to say, Bali had a ton of memorable moments, and I enjoyed them all.
2. My book was published
Since I brought up my book tattoo, I think it’s time to mention my book. Yes, I wrote a book that was published on August 13, 2024. It was a 2+ year process that took a whole bunch of blood, sweat, and tears to make. Literally. I remember when my editor at Simon & Schuster reached out to me and asked me if I had ever considered writing a book. First off, I almost missed that email because it was in my spam folder for some odd reason, which is the folder I really don’t check that often. Glad I did. I almost said no because, again, imposter syndrome was kicking in, but ultimately, I decided to go ahead with it. There wasn’t a nutrition book out there that was not only non-diet and non-restrictive but also culturally inclusive and included socioeconomic factors when discussing health and wellness. I wanted to do it in my own unique voice, and I am very proud of the finished book that is now being sold. Live Nourished: Make Peace with Food, Banish Body Shame, and Reclaim Joy is out on the shelves and on audio (recorded by yours truly.)
3. I started saying “No” more often
The people pleaser in me found this very hard to do, but it has gotten easier and easier. There is a quote from actress Kim Cattrall from a few years ago when she was interviewed for The Guardian. “I don’t want to be in a situation for even an hour where I’m not enjoying myself.” I decided to make this my mantra at the start of the year. I think of all the projects and events I would do, not because I wanted to but because I didn’t want anyone to feel bad.
I’ve turned down a few partnerships in the middle of negotiations because my gut was telling me to run. I think back to the younger me, who would have begrudgingly proceeded even though I wouldn’t be happy. I also walked away from a couple of professional relationships because we just weren’t aligned. Again, I never would’ve done this in the past out of fear of hurting feelings. And I am so proud to say that I have said “no” to outings and events that I just didn’t want to go to without giving a long, unnecessary explanation. No can be a complete sentence. I am very proud of myself, I have to say. I am still working on telling the barista when my coffee order is incorrect, but that is for 2025.
4. I turned 4-0
I honestly wasn’t scared of turning 40, I was actually excited. I have never been sad about milestone birthdays because I remember when I was turning 30, I felt the same. A new decade and a new outlook. I really don’t have any words of wisdom to share about a new awakening that I now have because I think I’m constantly evolving and growing. I will say that I definitely get the whole “the older you get, the less fucks you give” mentality. I think this may be why I am more comfortable with saying “no,” as I mentioned previously.
I’m not an expert in astrology or anything like that, but I will say that turning 40 on August 2nd and then a few weeks later, on August 13th, my book comes out, I think was some serious stars aligning. But who knows? I still can’t quite put it in my head that I’m forty, and each time, I have to think about my age and how old I actually am, but overall, it’s been a great ride.
5. Being a 40 under 40 Food Policy Award winner
I am only putting this under turning 40 because I hysterically received this award 2 months before turning 40. Yes, I received a 40 under 40 award by the skin of my teeth. All jokes aside, I was truly honored to be recognized by my colleagues who work in food policy.
I attended Hunter College for my Nutrition Graduate Program when I was in the midst of switching careers, and one thing for sure is that this program was very much community and food policy-focused. I now work in public health for the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which was always a goal of mine. For those who have been reading my words for a while now, you know how much I value the social determinants of health, so this award really meant everything to me. I also am very thankful to have received this in the nick of time. By 2 months, to be exact.
6. I went on more hikes
I am one of those people that actually likes hiking. I find this to be one of those activities that some people find cringe and just really dislike altogether. I laugh when people say it’s just walking a ton in some mountains. See, this kind of description is what makes me go, “Sign me up!” I love walking, and I love nature, so hiking is a love of mine. Living in Brooklyn, however, means that a ton of good trails are quite a distance from me, which makes it challenging. However, I said that my goal every year is to go as much as I can. I also managed to find a couple of friends who share the same love of hiking as I do, which makes this activity more fun. This year, I managed to do Bear Mountain (thankfully didn’t run into any bears) and Beacon Mountain. Looking forward to the future trails.
7. I saw E.T. in concert
I love the movie E.T. You know the movie about the little boy who befriends an alien that came out in the 80s? Yes, the very corny movie that somehow also always (and I mean ALWAYS) brings out the tears of anyone who watches. In fact, my mom and I share a love for the movie and its music. You cannot think about that scene where the boys are riding across the sunset in the air on bikes without thinking about the epic score that goes with it. I realize I sound like a nerd right now, and I accept it. Anyway, for Mother’s Day, I saw that the one and only New York Philharmonic Orchestra was having an E.T. in Concert event. I had no idea what that actually meant when I bought tickets, but I knew that it would be wonderful, so off to the Philharmonic my mom and I went. It wasn’t my first time seeing them, as the Philharmonic has so many concert events in the park during the summer, which is always great.
We not only had a great time but were also pleasantly surprised that the venue played the whole movie from start to finish, with the Philharmonic playing the entire score simultaneously. It was truly epic.
8. Television moments
I love doing media projects but this was my first year being on television for them. I am used to doing radio, Zoom interviews, or filming for YouTube channels, but television never happened, until this year. In June, I was partnering with the company Oatly and had the opportunity to go to Los Angeles to appear on Good Day LA to discuss misinformation in the media. It’s not lost on me that I took a 6 hour flight to the other side of the country to appear on television for 4 minutes, but it was very worth it. It was live on air with one chance to say my thoughts and it was such a great experience. I also got to visit the city of L.A for the first time which was cool because I have always wanted to see the Hollywood sign and try In-N-Out Burger (which is overrated, I’m sorry I said it) and I got to do it all within 48 hours.
Another fun television opportunity came with appearing on The Tamron Hall Show. I was contacted in October and asked if I wanted to discuss sleep. I said absolutely and it was a great time to reference my book as promotion as well. The studio experience was really cool and seeing how they put a show together which always appears seamless is really cool.
That’s a wrap!
These are just some of the highlights and definitely not a full recap of the year in its entirety. I personally can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store and I also want to thank you all for being part of the Substack community and finding value in my work. I truly can’t thank you enough. Talk soon in the new year!
-Shana
Congratulations! Such a wonderful recap to read!💖🫶🏾Also, your book tattoo is epic!💖✨️
Congrats again! What an inspiring year!