We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cherika Shields a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cherika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents emphasized the importance of prayer, they taught me how to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and rely on His strength in all situations. They instilled values such as love, kindness, forgiveness, humility, and integrity, aligning with the teachings of Christ. This made me who I am today..

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Certainly!

My name is Cherika Shield, and I’m a certified life coach, nurse, and author. My journey into these professions has been deeply shaped by my own life experiences and faith. As a nurse, I’ve always had a passion for helping people heal, both physically and emotionally. However, I felt a strong calling to do more, to help people beyond their physical health. This led me to become a certified life coach, where I assist individuals in navigating life’s challenges, setting and achieving goals, and ultimately finding their joy and purpose.

As an author, my work is deeply inspired by my experiences and God’s transformative grace. My first book was a testament to this journey, and I’m currently working on my second book titled *Prepare (Reset, Realign, Recover, Reclaim) You*, which focuses on empowering others to allow themselves to readjust, redefine and find joy and fulfillment in their lives through Jesus Christ despite the obstacles they face.

I provide life coaching services that focus on personal growth, overcoming life’s hurdles, and embracing the fullness of life that God intends for us. Through my writing and coaching, I help clients reset their mindset, recover from setbacks, and reclaim their joy.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to healing and growth, combining my background in nursing with life coaching to address both the physical and emotional aspects of well-being. I believe in the power of faith and resilience, and I’m committed to guiding others on their journey to a more joyful and purposeful life.

I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on others’ lives—whether it’s through my nursing career, coaching sessions, or my writing. The most important thing I want people to know about my work is that it’s all rooted in compassion, faith, and a genuine desire to help others live their best lives.

Whether you’re looking to overcome obstacles, find clarity, or rediscover your joy, I’m here to walk alongside you on that journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that stands out from my journey, illustrating my resilience, happened during a particularly challenging period in my life. I was working full-time as a nurse, juggling the demands of a high-stress environment, and at the same time, I was navigating personal challenges that felt overwhelming. There was a moment when I felt like everything was collapsing around me—my energy was depleted, my spirit was low, and I questioned whether I had the strength to continue.

It was during this time that I turned even more deeply to my faith. I realized that I had been trying to carry the weight of the world on my own shoulders, and it was simply too much. Through prayer and reflection, I felt a shift. I understood that resilience isn’t about never feeling defeated; it’s about finding the strength to get back up, lean on God’s grace, and move forward, even when things seem impossible.

One specific instance stands out. There was a day when everything seemed to go wrong at work—a patient’s situation became critical, and I was pulled in every direction. On top of that, I received news of a personal setback that shook me. I remember feeling like I couldn’t breathe under the pressure. But instead of breaking down, I took a moment in a quiet corner, prayed, and gathered myself. I reminded myself of the bigger picture—why I was doing what I was doing, and who I was doing it for.

That day, I found a reserve of strength I didn’t know I had. I handled the crisis at work, and when I got home, I started to write, using the emotions of that day to fuel my creative process. That moment became a pivotal point for me, and I realized that resilience is built in those quiet moments of decision—choosing faith over fear, action over paralysis, and hope over despair.

This experience not only reinforced my commitment to my nursing career but also solidified my passion for life coaching and writing. It taught me that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a way through, and that resilience is a muscle we build through life’s toughest challenges. That’s the message I aim to share with others through my coaching and writing—that no matter what life throws at you, you have the power to rise above it and reclaim your joy.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that productivity equates to worth. Growing up, I always thought that the more I achieved, the more valuable I was as a person. This mindset led me to overwork myself, pushing boundaries at the expense of my mental health, relationships, and well-being.

The turning point came when I experienced burnout after taking on too many responsibilities in both my personal and professional life. I realized that tying my sense of self-worth to constant productivity was unhealthy and unsustainable. I had to unlearn the belief that my value comes solely from what I do, rather than who I am.

Through reflection and practicing self-compassion, I started to understand that rest, balance, and self-care are just as important as working hard. Now, I strive for a more holistic view of success, one that includes peace, joy, and personal growth beyond achievements.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cherikashieldsbooks.com/ooks.com/
• Instagram: Cherika Shields
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CherikaShields

Image Credits

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