Surviving to Thriving

We find ourselves at the 5th January 2026!
I want to share some of my feelings entering the new year and why we make New year's resolutions then break them.
It is always a big topic that people speak about, ask you if you have made any new years resolutions. This got me into some serious insights and reasons for myself. I will share share below some of what I have been thinking on why we make new years resolutions and then mostly break them.

1. "The fresh start"
This is just that the new year feels like a clean slate. That boost of motivation is real, but it's emotional and temporary. Once everyday life returns, the feeling fades.

2. "Resolutions /Goals are often too vague or too big"
These resolutions come without clear steps or a plan, we rely on will power alone, and will power runs out.

3. "Habits beat motivation" this one is one I find get me. Motivation is like a "spark"; habits are like an "engine". Most of our resolutions try to change behaviour without changing our routines or triggers that caused the habit in the first place.

4. "We underestimate how hard change can be"
We tend to imagine ourselves having more time, energy and discipline than we actually do. Then when reality hits the goal feels overwhelming.

5. "All-or-nothing thinking"
Many of us think, " I messed up once, so we see it as failure" and then we tend to quit entirely.

6. "Resolutions re often based on pressure, not values"
Some goals are driven by guilt, trends or what others expect - not what you genuinely care about. These goals don't last.

Without reminders, tracking, or support to yourself or from others, it is easy to forget or not prioritise the goal.
People don't tend to fail because they are lazy - they fail because motivation fades, habits are strong, and change needs structure, not just good intentions. Pheww how is thi?

So how do we succeed with our resolutions / goals? We need to focus on systems not just goals.
A goal is the destination - a system is what you do every day.
I discovered this gem!
"People who succeed ask: What small action can I repeat regularly?
Start small on purpose, Big changes feel exciting but are hard to sustain, small changes feel almost too easy - but they stick.

We need to make the habit easier than the alternative. Make a good choice that is easy, it will happen more often.

We need to understand that we all mess up at some time or another, but what makes the difference is how we respond! Progress is about consistency not perfection.

Resolutions / Goals last longer when they matter to YOU, not because of pressure. Each small action becomes a lasting reality.
We don't fail at resolutions because we are weak. We fail because change requires structure, patience, and kindness to ourselves.

We need to be kind to ourselves, to learn to breathe, to deal with our stored trauma, our anxiety and our stress.

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𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇-𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 can be a powerful complement to Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) by reinforcing emotional safety, promoting self-compassion, and supporting the nervous system's ability to regulate and heal.

In essence, TRE works through the body, and self-affirmation works through the mind—together, they create a compassionate, holistic environment for healing.

🌿 Feeling Stressed, Tense or Overwhelmed?
It might be time to shake it off — literally!

✨ TRE (Trauma Releasing Exercises) is a powerful, body-based practice designed to help release deep muscular patterns of stress, tension, and trauma.

🌀 Developed by Dr. David Berceli, TRE uses a simple series of exercises to activate your body’s natural tremoring response — a self-regulation tool we ALL have but often suppress.

💬 It’s not talk therapy.
It’s your body doing the healing.

🧘‍♀️ Benefits of TRE:
✔️ Reduces anxiety and stress
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✔️ Helps regulate emotions
✔️ Reconnects you to a sense of calm and safety

Whether you've faced trauma, burnout, or just the everyday pressure of life — TRE can help you reset.

🌱 “The body keeps the score… but it also knows how to heal.”

Sheryl has dedicated over a decade to serving her community as a First Responder and, for the past five years, as Chairlady of the Regional Community Police Forum (CPF). In these roles, she has witnessed the profound effects of serious crime, assault, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on victims and her CPF team. Over time, she recognized how the trauma she encountered began to affect her own well-being, despite participating in regular debriefing sessions.

Through her journey of self-discovery, Sheryl realised that her trauma was being stored in her body, manifesting as stress and anxiety. This realization led her to seek a practical and effective way to manage her experiences. After extensive research, she discovered Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®). Experiencing its transformative benefits first-hand inspired her to pursue certification as a TRE® Facilitator.

Today, Sheryl helps others manage their trauma and anxiety, guiding them toward healing and well-being through TRE®. She is passionate about raising awareness of the impact stored trauma has on the body and empowering others to release the weight they unknowingly carry.

"Sometimes you don’t feel the weight of something you’ve been carrying until you feel the weight of its release." - Sheryl Damerell

Sheryl has kindly offered to give our warriors a discounted rate per session! DISCOUNT code: SAWFB/TRE
(Partnership with SA Women Fight Back)

Sheryl's contact information is:
082 575 6130
[email protected]

SPOTLIGHT | The Psoas Muscle For Vitality, Emotional Balance & Sexual Health with Dr. David Berceli | The Future of Wellness Podcast Dive into the fascinating world of the Psoas muscle, often referred to as the "muscle of the soul". We explore how this powerful muscle - nestled deep in the core of the body - plays a pivotal role in our body's movement and posture, and also our emotional balance and fight-or-flight response.

"🌿✨ Wondering what Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) are and how they can benefit you? TRE is a unique and gentle approach to healing that taps into your body's innate wisdom. It's not about reliving trauma through words; it's about letting your body release stored tension and stress naturally. Through simple exercises, TRE helps your body shake off the burdens it carries, promoting a sense of calm and resilience. Ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing? Let's talk! 💚
"

Contact me if you would like to find out how to thrive