Episode Details

Cheryl  shares her powerful journey of resilience through multiple life reinventions, from surviving a traumatic brain injury to building a fitness business and finding healing through movement. Her story reveals how exercise became her "mental health drug" during her darkest moments, including depression and homelessness.

• Started a fitness business after experiencing a traumatic brain injury while raising a two-year-old son
• Created and ran the fitness program at Barton Hills Country Club for 15 years
• Overcame severe depression by gradually weaning off medication over two years
• Used movement as medicine when traditional meditation wasn't effective
• Transitioned from high-intensity workouts to strength training as her body changed with age
• Prioritized gym membership even when experiencing financial hardship and homelessness
• Compares life's challenges to ocean waves - choose to float rather than fight against them
• Found healing in the supportive community environment at AFS
• About to become a grandmother ("Gigi") in September

Prioritize yourself. When you take care of your own physical and emotional needs first, you show up better for everyone else in your life. The people who truly love you will support your journey to better health.