By Jennifer Ersalesi
Growing up in Rutherford seems to hold a special place in the hearts of so many Rutherford residents. Many have chosen to live their adult lives here and raise their children in the place where the community uplifted, supported, and nurtured them. Shalina Bell, is one of those Rutherford residents. She recently wrote a memoir and will be doing a book signing at the Rutherford Public Library. This is Rutherford spoke to Shalina to learn more about why she loves Rutherford, her memoir, and her #DailyRitualsMovement on Instagram.
TIR: You are a lifelong Rutherford resident. What did you love about growing up here? Why have you chosen to stay here?
Shalina Bell: There are a few reasons why growing up in town became special to me. Feeling safe being at the top of my list. A quaint, friendly, community that looks out for one another. Growing up our school district was acknowledged as a blue-ribbon school and I took pride in being a part of that. My children were a big part of my stay here. I wanted them to have those same experiences and community I had growing up.
TIR: Your book Don't Worry Inner Child, You Got This was recently published. Why did you decide to write this personal memoir?
SB: I am more on the private side when it comes to sharing what goes on in my personal life, which makes it ironic to not only write a memoir but publish it for the world to see. I wanted to share my journey to inspire others on the importance of healing our inner child and self-love. That healing is not linear, we have to give ourselves grace and patience. Know that we are no different from each other it's just our journey that's different.
TIR: Why are you excited to share this book with readers?
SB: I am excited and if I were to be honest a little bit nervous for people to read about things I've never shared before. I firmly believe everyone wants to feel seen. If me sharing my story can do that even for just one person then I feel I've achieved my purpose. That means more to me than anything.
TIR: Have you always enjoyed expressing yourself through writing?
SB: I am more of a speaker than a writer. I love to talk even more so when it comes to things I'm passionate about. Writing for me always felt more time-consuming. I'm grateful for voice notes and transcribing apps. My hand wouldn't be able to keep up with my thoughts.
TIR: What can you tell us about #DailyRitualsMovement on your Instagram page? How have you seen it resonate with others?
SB: I started my #DailyRitualsMovement in July 2020 during Covid. What my #DailyRituals consisted of was waking up at 6:30 am and going to Tryon Field. I'd start with a meditation then do affirmations, followed by a workout. My goal was to lose weight and feel good about myself. Being consistent wasn't always my strong suit when it came to exercising. I thought maybe if I started to share my #DailyRituals on my Instagram that would help. I didn't only share my regimen, I also posted inspirational and motivational quotes. I started posting more pictures of myself because I started to feel good about myself and the self-love I was practicing.
A few weeks into it I started receiving messages from strangers thanking me for something I posted and how it helped them get through surgery or a tough time in their life. Nike Women even messaged me that they were watching and to keep going! Soon after I began to get thousands of views and messages from not only strangers all over the world, but actors, athletes, singers, and influencers. I noticed women who were following me started posting more pictures of themselves and practicing self-love. At that moment my #DailyRituals became a movement. I knew this was what I was meant to do. Not only inspire and motivate myself but others as well.
TIR: On February 22nd, you will have a book signing at the Rutherford Public Library in the Glass Room. This will be a great opportunity to reunite with fellow Rutherfordians and to meet new people. What are you most looking forward to at this event?
SB: This is such a full-circle moment for me! To say that I'm able to host a signing event for my book in the town where it all started is such a blessing. I am truly grateful the Rutherford Public Library was as excited as I was. I look forward to showing my gratitude and appreciation to everyone who supports me, as well as reuniting with fellow Rutherfordians. I think it will be a memorable experience.
You can purchase Shalina's memoir, Don't Worry Inner Child, We Got This on Amazon and some books will be available for purchase at the Book Signing. See more information below:
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