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Cheryl Palen's avatar

I have always just WANTED to get out there and swim/bike/run/lift/yoga/hik- it was my way of keeping my sanity raising a daughter and having 60+ kids on my preschool caseload as an SLP. After having a brain tumor removed 2 1/2 years ago that left me deaf in one ear, impaired vision in one eye and having to learn how to regain balance and proprioceptive skills so I could ride my mountain bike again (and "race") and tolerate seeing rocks on the bottom of the lake as I swam over them- well there is nothing but WANT in my blood for sure now. Every day is a gift. Use it wisely.

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Carla Birnberg's avatar

I know you won’t want to hear this – pun not intended – but you are truly a badass.

Resilient and full of grit and tenacity

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Cheryl Palen's avatar

As I was swimming this morning in too warm water, I decided to do some form and drill work- I watch videos and compare myself to those giving the advice. It’s the only way I can improve myself-by watching and paying attention to those who “do it better” than myself. So for me (and it’s always been this way) I DO compare myself to others hoping that I can learn something from them…doesn’t have to be a negative thing!

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Cheryl Palen's avatar

Just trying to live my truth to the best of my ability. I have done harder things than the ones I mentioned. When you get used to being uncomfortable in certain situations, you (I) continue to challenge myself in other areas. Leading my ukulele group tomorrow terrifies me. So does performing. Do I do it? Hell yes!

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Carla Birnberg's avatar

And it’s fascinating because I hate the admonishment to “feel the fear and do it anyway!”

The words I mean. The humans who actually do the words? Inspire me.

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