We had the good fortune of connecting with Erika Bernardini and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erika, how do you think about risk?
Some might call me “the taker of risks!” In the middle of the 2021 pandemic, my husband and I decided to purge most of our physical material belongings while we packed up our two Toyotas and 4 small children, and moved 2000 miles across the country (away from family and everything we ever knew) to build a better life for ourselves.

To break the cycle.. to re-write our story!

Reflecting one year later, this happened to be the greatest leap into the unknown that we could have taken! We quite literally went from living in poverty in public housing, to creating a life we love down in sunny, tropical Florida.
I am so grateful that we were guided down this path and that the risk was so worth it.

I think that taking calculated leaps of faith are what this life is really all about! Humans are not meant to stay in one place forever doing the same things, and experiencing what we have in the world over the past few years has really put into perspective for me what “risk taking” really means, and how profound on an impact it can have on one’s life. I like to think I am living proof of how beautiful taking risks can be!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Reiki is ancient Japanese healing modality that involves using the hands and intention to guide the flow of life force energy. It assists with stress and promoting healing. The work I do now, actually stemmed from my own healing journey after enduring two traumatic brain injuries and a diagnosis of poly cystic ovaries that told me I’d never be a mother.

Feeling as though western medicine had let me down, I stumbled down the rabbit hole that is alternative/holistic healing.

My own Reiki Master Teacher, Gail Smith R.N. offered me tools that changed up my healing journey at a quantum level. I learned how to work through my own healing in a different way, and it changed the whole game for me.

I have been practicing Reiki for 6 years now, and the shifts I have watched take place in my life have been nothing short of miraculous. I’ve learned that I harness a very special power within, and I have had the self realization that my mission during this time is to be a light worker.. to light the way for those who need to find something different for themselves. My healing journey hasn’t been easy, but it sure has been worth it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am perfectly content with packing up a couple coolers, and retreating any where in nature. I also love exploring new beaches and parks with my loved ones and collecting earth treasures. My absolute fav treat in the warm Florida sunshine is a yummy smoothie bowl and an iced coffee.

Some day I dream of creating my own fav spot and inviting my friends to my eclectic healing retreat somewhere in south beach!

An inviting healers retreat with smoothie bowls and sunshine all the time!
Sounds like the best time to me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out the Maine State Parent Ambassadors & Alumni. This parent advocacy group ignited a passion in me when I didn’t feel like I had much of a voice. This passionate, but powerful group of Parent Advocates are creating ripples of change and they are doing it so fearlessly!! I am so proud and honored to be part of this community of courageous Mama and Papa Bears! https://www.facebook.com/MaineStatePA/

Instagram: Instagram.com/mrsbeinfinity

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-bernardini-5331a9b3

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eclecticevolution.mrsbeinfinity/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/ErikaElizabeth_aneclecticescape

Other: TikTok: @mrsbeinfinity

Image Credits
Halle Alessia Katie Mathieu

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.