Hello Friends,
Thank you for choosing to learn more about the secrets behind my SMile. (Yes, the S and the M in smile are capitalized for a reason. My belief is that one day MS CAN be reversed.) I hope you have enjoyed reading my life story as much as I have enjoyed writing Powered by the Pivot, Secrets revealed in my Journey Manifesting, Peace, Love & Gratitude. The pictures below take me on a trip down memory lane. Maybe you will see some pictures that will remind you of your own life. The questions are for your reflection, designed to ponder your own life experience. Self-care is so important, consider meditation and journaling to enhance your reading experience and just for Joy, download the Free Playlist available on the home page <poweredbythepivot.com>
Praise for Powered by the Pivot
“Cheri Warcholak Lohrey’s Powered by the Pivot proves one of the most important lessons I’ve learned living with MS- that a difficult life doesn’t have to be a joyless life.”
-Ardra Shephard, writer, creator/host of AMI-tv’s Fashion Dis, Tripping on Air podcast
“Cheri’s witty and charming way of taking the reader down her path really speaks through the bumps along the way. She offers a sense of empowerment to the reader looking to find grace in their own lives.”
-Heather Mills, Las Vegas Anchor/Reporter
“Cheri’s memoir made me both laugh and cry! It’s such an inspirational story leading you on a journey from tragedy to triumph! I loved her humor and all of the music references along the way! You can feel her positive energy radiate throughout her book!
-Lindsey Sadowski, NET (Neuro Emotional Technique Practitioner), Toadal Positivity
Part 1: PAUSE
Chapter One Love 
Cheri’s dad met her mom because he accidentally tossed a red sock in with his whites while doing his laundry at the laundromat. As a result, the author’s aunt, his future sister in law, giggled at his mistake, his PINK underwear. *Do you believe that things happen for a reason? *Ponder a time in your life where you felt something small led to a big change in your life.
Chapter Two Nature
The author’s father often said “Don’t waste time” and “Make the most of your time.” He would set a timer even at the rest area for bathroom breaks during road trips. *How did your family travel for vacation? Cheri’s Grandpa would always give a lively toast, “Over the lips and through the gums, look out stomach here it comes!!!” *Do you have certain sayings or phrases that remind you of your grandparents and make you smile? Cheri’s Granny, Iris, told her friend “that’s the man, I‘m gonna marry” when she first laid eyes on her future husband. *What are your thoughts on “love at first sight” becoming a long lasting relationship? *How did you meet your significant other? Consider Journaling your thoughts.
Chapter Three Time
In high school, Cheri was concerned about fitting in and dressing in style. *What were the trends when you were in high school? *What trends have you worn before that are making another appearance? *Do you follow the latest trends? How have your priorities changed over the decades of your life?
Chapter Four Life, Death & Diagnosis
The author uses music throughout her memoir. While working, juggling a busy life and trying to stay positive, “I’m every woman, it’s all in me” by Chaka Khan was on replay in her mind. *Share your theme song. *Does your song change during different times in your life? *Why is it meaningful to you?
Part II Breathe
Chapter Five Be Present
Obviously influenced by the author’s Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, Cheri and her husband, Scott decided to take our bigger family vacations sooner rather than wait for retirement. *What are your thoughts about living in the present? *How do you relate to their sense of urgency? *What are your thoughts about finding another way? *Talk about how Cheri gets into the ocean fully clothed and swims to get back to her resort to prove that she still could do it, instead of calling her husband to pick them up? *What do you think you would do? Write about a time you faced a challenge. Do you think of the situation as happening to you or for you? If there was a lesson, what did you learn?
Chapter Six Facts
Share your thoughts about the author’s mindset shift from “I have to,” into an “I get to” mindset. Cheri’s hubby, Scott would have benefitted from taking advice from others who have done things before, specifically when attempting cliff jumping. *How do you feel about taking advice from others? *Talk about a situation when taking the advice from others helped. *What advice would you give to your younger self?
Below is the embedded video of Scott’s “Rekt, Cliff Jump- Chapter Six, Scott”
Click here for Scott’s video
Chapter Seven The Call
Diagnosed with MS in 2010, when her children were eight and ten, Cheri lived with years of mom guilt. *Share your reaction to her daughter Aryn’s college essay titled “A Meaningful Life” *How do you relate to mom guilt?
Chapter Eight Believe
In January of 2020, Cheri participated in a Vision Board Class. *Do you make vision boards and set goals?
*Are you a checklist person? *What helps you reach your goals?
Chapter Nine Standing
Reluctantly, with tears streaming down her face, Cheri accepts help and use the transport chair in the Las Vegas, Nevada airport when traveling to her son’s graduation from basic training.
*Why do you think this resulted in her tears? *What do you think this meant to her? Think about a time in your life when you helped someone. How did it make you feel? Think about how it feels to accept help.
Chapter Ten Scared
As an educator, Cheri’s quote was Gandhi’s words “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” The quote she adopted in the Spring of 2022 are wise words of Maya Angelou “My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive: and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.” *Do you think Cheri was influenced and driven to write her book by this quote? *Do you have a quote that motivates you?
Cheri shares that using the Alinker is a game changer. Her first outing with the Alinker was reconnecting with Scott’s high school girlfriend Louanne and her husband Aric. Cheri loves the way Louanne describes them. Louanne comments, “Scott has good taste!” *Would you choose to be friends with your significant other’s ex? *Consider your thoughts on dependence vs. the independence of the Alinker. Have you ever experienced an injury? Ponder an injury that is never expected to be repaired.
Part III Pivot
The descriptive writing detailing the chill in the air, the words that were spoken, the clothes worn in 1990. *How does Cheri remember the details of the accident? *How did you feel as you read these chapters? *What was your response to her concerns about getting back on the road and home after we initially wrecked in the ditch? *Would you get out of the car and go for help at age eighteen in the 1990? *What was your reaction to her worries? *Her pants? *Her plans? *While recovering from the accident, Cheri has a serious case of F.O.M.O. (Fear of Missing Out.) Enduring the loss of mobility and the loss of college for a semester, she was determined to regain losses after the car accident. *During challenging times like the author at age 18, how do you think you would handle being “stuck” for weeks? *For months? Write about a loss. Who are the support people in your life. Write in gratitude about them. Why are they meaningful to you?
Cheri’s determination to return to college life motivates her. Decades later and a year after running a triathlon sprint, Cheri received her MS diagnosis. *Right or wrong, she processed the challenges of her diagnosis quietly for nearly a decade. *How do you process challenges in your life?
I’m on a mission to share my story with the intention to help others navigate through a challenging time, knowing they are not alone. I am aware that I, too, need to continue to practice my own advice to Pause, to Breathe, and to Pivot. As Christina Applegate and Jamie Lynn Sigler end each MeSsy podcast, “And so it is.”
My physical limitations and frustrations fuel action in my life to find another way. I believe that I am lucky to get butterflies in my belly over some of the simplest “I can” moments. I am choosing to focus on recognizing “Unexpected Joy” in my life. I know I am enough!
By reflecting and sharing my challenges, I know that I can help you. I encourage you to reflect on your own lessons in life, to face them and to embrace them. Choose to be “Powered by the Pivot.”
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Share with anyone that you think needs to hear my story.
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What’s Next?
My journey continues to reveal Unexpected Joy with picture books and a film based on “Powered by the Pivot.
“Enough”
“They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If only that picture would tell you the whole story. As challenges abound, one perfectly imperfect family chooses to Pause, to Breathe, and to Pivot. Together their determination is Powered by the Pivot. When love and support is Enough.”
See the video, the trailer for Enough is under the NEWS tab. The film is an depth process which takes much more time and consideration than initially anticipated.
Thank you for all who share a review on Amazon. I read every one. I am choosing to reframe my challenges in effort to focus on Joy, specifically the Unexpected Joys in life. I painted the above canvas at the beginning of 2024 adding “When the journey Revealing Unexpected Joy is Enough! I feel tremendous joy reading your reviews. Thank you for helping me celebrate feeling Powered by the Pivot! In addition, please read and share your review of Cleo the Caterpillar CAN Pivot and I AM Cleo. My books are a reflection of real life experiences. I hope you enjoy and share with others if you think the messages are helpful. Thanks so much!
With peace, love & gratitude,
Cheri Warcholak Lohrey
www.poweredbythepivot.com
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See what others are saying about Powered by the Pivot, Secrets Revealed in my journey Manifesting Peace, Love & Gratitude on Amazon
- Customers find the themes inspirational and wonderful to reconnect with. They describe the reading experience as great and powerful. Readers also appreciate the beautiful storyline and witty writing style.
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed Cheri’s storytelling ability as I remembered parts of my childhood. I hope that I can take her words to heart and become “Powered by the Pivot” in my own life. I recommend this book for folks who are ready to make changes in their life, no matter their circumstances, and for those who may need some hope when they have been dealt a difficult blow. Thank you, Cheri, for such a wonderful book and may God continue to bless you as you continue to Pivot!
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2023
An entertaining book that has kept my attention through her journey. Funny, witty & inspiring. Highly recommend if you want more in life
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2023
Cheri’s story is remarkable. It is so powerful to be reminded that no matter what life puts on our path, we can always pause, breathe and pivot. I am so grateful to Cheri and her courage to share her story. She is one amazing woman and a breath of fresh air. This book really goes to show how sharing your story can change lives.