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#BecauseICan • Cheri Srour

@cherisrour

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2023

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Cheri Srour, LMSW
I may not be able to do the things you do, but what I can do will surprise you.
#BecauseICan

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I am standing in a life that has now outlived the one of my past - the “before” and the “after”; when the life I had once known shifted into a distant memory. What once felt temporary has now become the longest chapter of my story.
Everyone talks about the beauty of growth, yet the world shies away from unpacking the uncomfortable truth of mourning one’s past self, relationships, routines, and conditions. And I’ve grown to understand that I can thank life for what it gave even as I grieve what it took.
I’m often asked if I could go back in time, would I have done something differently. My response has shifted through the years from disappointment to solace. I’ve learned that faith is the peace that enters, not when you get answers, but when you stop needing them.
I don’t wish I could restart life knowing all I do now because I have tasted the purpose in what once broke me. The darkest part of my life gave birth to the strongest part of my soul.
No, some things will never be the same, but that is the blessing.
It’s been a wonderful second life. by @cherisrour

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8 months ago

A year ago today, we made history.
To all the doctors who doubted my perseverance, the ones who told me I wouldn’t walk again - I am thankful for you. It is because of you who told me I couldn’t, I made it my mission to prove that I can.
The doctors say I may have lost some aspect of my physical being. But, they didn’t tell me about what I would find:
I have found my loyalty - my support system who pushed me until I was able to stand on my own. I found my inspiration through you to fight. You have willed me to succeed - sometimes in my lowest moments. You gave me generosity - shoulder to stand on to reach my dreams, dreams that dreams now trying to catch up with my reality. You took my flicker & turned it into a flame, igniting something in me I never thought was possible.
When they say you can’t do it, work hard & let Good Morning America share your story. Allow ESPN to make the noise. Give E! News a reason to remind everyone to never let anyone define what you’re capable of achieving. Permit CNN to show you to never give up. Grant Disney the opportunity to make dreams come true.
To anyone that feels like giving up sometimes but finds it in themselves get up & keep fighting, I share this with you.
I may not be able to do the things you do, but I can celebrate my story to empower. 🎉
#BecauseICan taken in The Happiest Place on Earth by @cherisrour

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7 years ago

To you, it may look like my life is a daily struggle. Lemme tell you something: you're right.
I can sit home & mope about it, but let's be real - where's that getting me? I don't think there is anyone out there without life problems. Mine just happens to be visible to the naked eye. So, I might as well be productive about it & show you what i CAN do despite my physical difficulties.
Even though I may not be able to do to the things you do, I can donate my hair. ✂️
#BecauseICan by @cherisrour

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11 years ago

Eight years. I’ve been on this Project Walk journey for eight years. Eighth years of grit & determination. Eight years of trials & tribulations. Eight years of laughter & memories. Eight years of milestones & achievements.

Project Walk welcomed me with open arms. They have provided me with a supportive outlet & an opportunity to become resurrected, granting me a second life. They offered me a home, allowing for the strength to grow & recover physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Trekking there three times a week became an endless adventure & a quick getaway with my special souls. The moments spent from these excursions alone is something I will forever cherish. I am forever grateful for each of you - you know who you are.

@d.rivkah - Fortunate are those to be blessed with your presence, spunk, and ingenuity. From endless sit to stands to countless panic attacks, your patience for me (most times) and your creative mind & skills are truly unmatched. Started as my trainer, now my best friend & adopted sis, I am lucky enough to know how blessed I am to not only have crossed paths with you, but to live life to its fullest & continue to learn from you. I don’t remember life without you … and I’m okay with that. Thank you for standing as my lifeline & bringing me back to life.

Trainers turned friends, friends turned family - this experience will continue to live in every step I take. I would never be where I am today without your continuous support & invaluable friendship. Thank you for getting my feet back on the ground.

Whoever has been praying for me - don’t stop.
Off to the next adventure…

(Also, creating this reel was a ton of work & I will never be making one again. Ok bye.) taken in Project Walk New Jersey by @cherisrour

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a year ago

I know, I know. I haven’t posted & shared as much as I frequently have in the past. It’s just, I’ve been … living.
And I personally don’t need the world’s approval or validation for it. This is not to dismiss anything you choose to post or share or story - keep doing you. For me, when I live with clarity, I find I waste less time chasing the noise.
The most beautiful parts of life don’t care how you look. A steak tastes delicious no matter your status. Dogs won’t love you more if you’re famous. The sky isn’t more magical if you have perfect skin. Music doesn’t sound deeper if you have a six pack. The world tells you more; life just wants you to feel it.
So I’ll continue to recover out loud & to continue living to give voice to all who still suffer in silence. After all, we’re just walking each other home. by @cherisrour

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a year ago

There was once upon a time when I actively refused to look in the mirror. It wasn’t even that I despised the way I looked; I didnt even know how I presented simply because I strayed away from my reflection for so long. I was so uncomfortable in my “new” skin & I knew that it would echo onto my surface.
This lasted for, what felt like, forever. It took much internal work & a great deal of reflection to welcome myself as I am; to completely comprehend that I am not what happened to me, but to fully embrace what I chose to become.
After years of going on a self love binge, in hindsight, I see what a beautiful journey that has been. I now know that in order to truly love myself, I must embrace the experiences that shaped me. And honestly, I don’t think anybody can grow unless she really is accepted exactly as she is.
So to anyone who is feeling this way or have ever felt this way: I’m wishing you a safe return back to yourself.
Go easy with your experiences.
Go easy with your life.
Go easy with you.
🤍 by @cherisrour

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2 years ago

Dearest January 2024 Me,
Girl, you would not believe the life you would live this year. You wouldn’t know it yet, but this year was going to transform you in ways you could never have imagined.
Let’s talk about your comeback: you didn’t settle in places you didn’t feel valued - you apprehensively left that table & found your path waiting for you. You managed to hit some incredible milestones along the way; it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing - yes, there were tears - but, there was laughter too, so much laughter.
Let’s talk about your survival: all the things that were sent to break you - you flinched & then found yourself again; all the ugly parts of this year taught you grace; all the times you doubted yourself - you used pieces of those moments to build yourself back up. You dove straight into the chaos & resurfaced with nothing but peace.
Let’s talk about the lessons: you turned your hurt into healing; everything you lost created space for everything you needed; you released what did not bring you peace.
Remember every time you thought you couldn’t get through something difficult? And then you expanded & did it anyway?
You always find a way to brave yourself through the wilderness. Trust your track record, chica.
You, unbreakable beauty, strong & brave, I see you and every version of you that carried you here. I see all of you. You may not have the year you wanted but you had the year you needed. You grew so much from it. And for that, you will be so grateful.
So don’t be afraid of what lies ahead. Continue to trust yourself more. Because all the moments you’ve envisioned - and even the ones you haven’t dreamt of yet - are on their way. You will be challenged, sure, but you will only rise stronger.
2024 will be a whirlwind & when you look back, you’ll be so damn proud of just how far you’ve come.
All my love,
2025 January Me by @cherisrour

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2 years ago

Recently, I had a wonderful experience getting to be a guest on CubCast podcast. Created by Ikey Zaccai, @inspirationbycub is a beautiful podcast spreading awareness & sharing motivation with the world through stories of determination & positivity.
Sharing my story for the 73838th time will never feel tedious for the sole purpose that there is a chance that one soul out there can gain something from it. It makes every single challenge, triumph, broken bone, milestone, sadness, and happiness all the more meaningful.
They say don’t look back, but sometimes it’s good to see how far you’ve come.

So if you’re interested in hearing my story from the 7473839th time, check it out! From what I was told, there are some fun facts shared that some have not knew before.
Link below or in my bio :)

https://linktr.ee/cubcast?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAab9rvykzQGP6ugSWoppcxtjBllJ03kIsVMThmraNMbPC2uZ2JITPfAmtos_aem_tV2CRnx_xxrWecKjswbnAg by @cherisrour

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2 years ago

I was sitting here three years ago finding myself contemplating life - feeling stuck, plateaued, complacent, lost. In hindsight, I realize I was itching for more - searching for more meaning, striving for more internal growth, pushing for more physical strength.
So here I am - visiting my secret spot three years later. This time, I drove myself here. I got out of the car myself & enjoyed the view. I am a licensed social worker, supporting children as they learn the tools to help themselves. I am the strongest I have ever been.
When you find yourself broken down on the side of the road & don’t know what move to make next, just know:
This time of transition is not a forever state of being; or being broken. You are breaking away from what was, creating space to welcome what will be.
Life doesn’t get better; YOU get better.
You find better. You experience better. You become better.
And in case we are in need of the reminder: There are months when absolutely nothing happens & there are days when years happen.
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot

and hang on. taken in Somewhere in Heaven by @cherisrour

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2 years ago

One day, I will share with you how I pulled myself out of the ocean when I couldn’t even swim.
-
Posted @withregram • @projectwalknewjersey Let’s go through a workout with Cheri!
This is what a 3 hour workout looks like here with one of the most consistent and hard working people in the world. by @cherisrour

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3 years ago

I will forever be the girl who still shows up. After failure, after challenge, after frustration, after disappointment, after exhaustion, I will still muster up (even if just an ounce) of courage to believe that a new attempt can manifest a new outcome.
I will forever be the girl who still tries - simply because when you call it quits, it’s disrespectful to those who believe in you.
With every battle, I try to remind myself that I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive.
So I will try.
And then try again.
Try once more.
Try differently.
Try tomorrow.
And keep trying until I succeed.
#BecauseICan by @cherisrour

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3 years ago

If you would have told me that I would befriend you fifteen years ago, I would never believe it. So proud of you & this accomplishment, John!
Thank you for always thinking of me & having me; it was a nice escape from reality.

Check out John Stamos’ new memoir, If You Would Have Told Me -
johnstamos.komi.io
@johnstamos by @cherisrour

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3 years ago