This past week’s #CPChatNow had members bouncing all over the place with discussions of different topics such as hiking, podcasts, and how CP impacts their decision making. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
First, I would like to celebrate Zach progressing in his career at the library.
Next, talk turned to Timmy’s hobby of hiking and his essentials when he goes on a hike.
Next, Stephen asked what podcasts others listened to.
Finally, Zach asks members how CP impacts their decision making.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are your favorite outdoor activities? Please share your answers in the comments and join us tomorrow at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!
Various topics came and went during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, January 11th, 2023. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.
Early on in the evening, communal vibes strongly emanated.
Long-time participant Hannah stopped in to say she missed us all, but physically she did not feel up to participating. I know I am not alone in looking forward to the next time Hannah joins us.
In the meantime, the chat went on.
To prompt discussion, I asked our community, “How often do you stretch? What muscles do you have to stretch the most?” My co-host Devin Axtman responded, “Not enough that’s for sure!” Admitting, “When I’m feeling tight.” Regarding what muscles he has to stretch the most, Devin said “hamstrings and Achilles mostly.”
Personally, I resonated with Devin’s experiences. Also admitting, “I know I should stretch daily but I also end up stretching when I get tight.” In retrospect stretching daily sounds like a good goal to set. Appropriate, because January 11th, 2023, talk turned to goal setting.
The goal setting subject arose after I asked our community, “Has anyone set goals for 2023 to help you be healthier?” Devin replied, “I feel like I’m not good at this. Anyone have tips for setting goals you stick with?”
Timmy and I offered similar advice. I recommended setting measurable goals. For example, in 2023 I am striving to drink two bottles of water for every cup of coffee I consume. Additionally, I suggested making your goal into a habit, noting, “Say you want to read more. Even reading 10 pages of a book a day will eventually add up.”
Simultaneously, Timmy advised, “Make it a habit or use the SMART approach.” Besides making a goal measurable, the SMART approach involves setting goals that are specific, achievable, realistic, and timely.
Another helpful tidbit emerged as the goal setting discussion progressed.
Through the dialogue, Devin revealed, “I will slip for a day and feel guilty and then not get back to it.” A temptation I know all too well. However, over time I learned, “The key is not beating yourself up over yesterday’s failures but rather focusing on righting the track today.” Put that wisdom on display and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What will you accomplish today?”
Share below! Then before going to work away on your goal, set a reminder to join us for #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow sparked some interesting conversation about member’s relationship with CP and their hopes for 2023. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, Zach tweeted about a dream where he avoided a common nemesis for people with CP, escalators.
Next, Zach asked what members are looking forward to in 2023.
Finally, Zach asked about member’s relationships with CP. The question sparked an interesting discussion.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: Have you ever had a dream related to CP? Please share your answers in the comments.
Participants in the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow gathered Wednesday, December 28th, 2022 for one last 2022 chat. Allow me, chat co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell, tell you more. Welcome to your weekly recap.
Discussion for the night included favorite presents received during the 2022 holiday season.
As you can see in the above screenshot, I introduced this topic. Replying to my question, Jen showed us a stuffed Gamer Stich. Meanwhile my co-host Devin Axtman mentioned his wife gave him a really cool Cubs shirt. Responding to Devin, I noted one of my brothers gave me a Guardians 2022 postseason shirt.
Additionally, Timmy answered the question, showcasing the Garmin InReach given to him by his grandparents. Eventually though, like the holidays themselves, time passed and we moved on to others topics.
Stephen sparked insightful conversation by asking people if they prefer wheelchairs or walkers. Devin explained his preference, saying, “Wheelchair, it is way faster and I feel more stable. I don’t have to worry as much about terrain.”
On the contrary, Stephen voiced his preference for walkers, detailing, “I like walkers more because people do not have to push you.” Stephen’s comments led to further dialogue.
Devin expressed understanding for Stephen’s preference, stating, “There’s definitely pluses and minuses and it also depends on the situation.” I seconded Devin’s thoughts, and added, “Another factor is how long a given activity is. If you have a full day ahead of you, something requiring less energy might be preferable.”
What do you think? Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is your preferred mobility device? Why?” Leave your answer in the comments section.
Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET. Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!
This past week in #CPChatNow not surprisingly centered around the holidays with members discussing favorite holiday movies and memories. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
Members started the chat by talking about their favorite Christmas movies and music:
Next, Zach asked about member’s favorite holiday memories. We reminisced about favorite memories with Santa Claus.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation-Question: What is your funniest holiday memory?
My funniest holiday memory is asking Santa where his sleigh was parked at the bank. He pointed to the roof and I was straining desperately to see it. Please share your answers in the comments!
Thanks for reading and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow!
Wednesday after Wednesday people in the cerebral palsy (CP) community gather on Twitter for the live weekly chat #CPChatNow. To tell you all about the chat from Wednesday, December 14th, 2022, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Let us get on with the recap!
An innate ability to understand each other remains one characteristic which has solidified our community. We showcased said understanding December 14th.
Utilizing our hashtag, Timmy shared some humorous bad news and good news. The bad news, he tripped on his way to the lab in the morning. For the good news, Timmy revealed he did not spill a drop of his coffee! His comedic tweet received eight likes.
Transitioning to a more serious note, Stephen sparked dialogue with a question.
Stephen asked the chat, “What is the one thing you (are) proud of this year?” Veronica answered, “My youngest graduated from ASU.” Meanwhile, I stated, “The release of Slow and Cerebral, and the five five-star reviews Amazon readers have given the book.” Replying himself, Stephen shared his pride for, “going back to the exceptional foundation and my involvement in CPChatNow.”
As the night continued, discussion turned to seeing differences positively.
Admittedly, I brought up the topic when sharing a cartoon my uncle sent my way. Within the cartoon a single lopsided Christmas tree stands in a field alongside many tree stumps. A thought bubble with the words, “Hey! Maybe being different is a good thing!” hangs above the lopsided tree. Inspired by the comic, I asked, “How has being different been a good thing for you?”
Answering myself, I explained, “My differences have taught me the importance of representation. Plus CP and my physical inabilities led me to writing and where I am now.” AcquiDis also answered, saying, “Difference causes the individual to reflect of their own norms whether they be in relation to disability, gender, race.”
How about you? Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “How has being different been a good thing for you?”
Answer below in the comments. Afterwards, set a reminder to join us every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members talked about the cold, falling and the difficulty of getting up with age, and what they want for Christmas. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
First, I would like to highlight a cool thing the library Zach works at did, showcase his book Slow and Cerebral!
A common topic for people with CP dominated the chat, falling and getting up. Members discussed whether they feel falls more in cold or warmer temperatures. The consensus was cold weather is worse because members feel more stiff.
Talk about falls continued with members discussing the difficulty of getting up as they advanced in age.
Finally, talk turned to what members wanted for Christmas.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation-Question: What is on your holiday wish list?
Please share your answers in the comments and join us tomorrow on Twitter at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow!
Happy birthday to everyone in the #CPChatNow community! Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 marked nine years since our first ever Twitter chat. Hence my, #CPChatNow co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell, reference to December 3rd as our chat’s, “birthday.” Somebody else might prefer the traditional term, “anniversary.” No matter the terminology used, you will probably agree nine years together remains an occasion to celebrate.
Such a celebration has occurred over the last month too. Despite my co-host Devin Axtman and I not getting out our weekly recaps, the chat continues to meet each Wednesday on Twitter, 8pm ET. On Wednesday, November 23rd I mentioned the upcoming nine-year milestone.
The fact nine years has passed since our community’s first chat, wowed an enthusiastic fixture in our community, Chris. Reacting to the milestone, Chris tweeted, “9!?!?! Omg! I guess it has been, but wow!” Retweeting Chris’s response, I thanked everyone who has given our community staying power. Those individuals include both long-time community members and new faces. One new face in-particular shared his own #CPChatNow milestone.
During the chat Wednesday, November 16th Stephen reminisced about being a part of #CPChatNow for one year. Belonging to our community can prove transformative. A notion supported by conversation held during our weekly chat Wednesday, November 30th.
With December 3rd approaching, I asked the community to fill in the blank and answer, “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more _____.” Devin replied, saying our community has made him more, “confident in my disability identity.” Devin would go on to discuss how #CPChatNow has allowed us to meet, “super cool people that have done stuff with CP,” and “meet people (with CP) all over the country and even the world.”
What about you? Keep the conversation going, and fill in the blank. “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more ________.” Even if you do not participate in the actual Twitter chat, feel free to answer. If you read the recaps, you are part of our community. Let us know what about the recaps keeps bringing you back.
Beyond celebrating the past nine years, our community took time to contemplate our future.
Considering Twitter serves as our main platform and 2022 saw a big change in Twitter’s ownership, on Wednesday, November 9th I asked members if anyone had concerns about the platform’s future. Both Chris and Jen expressed concern Twitter will cost money to use. Chris added he, “joined Mastodon just in case Twitter stops being free to use.”
Though, as long as Twitter stays free, you can count on joining us each and every Wednesday on the platform. The fun starts at 8pm ET. Before then, remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more ______.”Fill in the blank below!
This past week in #CPChatNow was bouncing as always. Members discussed books they are reading, funny conversations related to disability, and Halloween. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
Zach had a book recommendation for #CPChatNow, True Biz, by Sara Novic.
Next, I shared a conversation I had on the train with a familiar theme for disabled people, people being amazed that disabled people have jobs and live regular lives.
Stephen asked what members did for Halloween.
Finally, Zach and I talked about what we are most excited for and most dreading in November.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What were your Halloween traditions growing up?
Please share your Halloween traditions in the comments and join us at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow! Thanks for reading!
Like trick-or-treaters going door to door Halloween night, various topics came and went Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 during the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.
Early in the evening participants discussed Halloween.
Beloved community member Hannah did not let a painful week stop her from popping into the chat and sharing Halloween memories. Such memories included dressing up one year as Tigger, using a red wagon to make Halloween accessible, and being a “voter” for Halloween in 2014.
Continuing the Halloween theme, participants discussed their plans for October 31st this year (2022).
This conversation I initiated by asking if anyone had Halloween plans. My co-host Devin Axtman replied, “Can’t say I do.” Meanwhile I expressed my contemplation to dress up as Bryan Cranston’s Breaking Bad character as a low key costume for work. Between my recently shaved head and goatee, I could easily pull off the character. At least, if I did not wear a face mask at work. Since I do though, the visual would get messed up. My explanation intrigued Devin.
Curious, Devin asked me if people still wore face masks, noting, “Nobody wears them in Texas.”
Veronica responded, saying, “Very few wear them in AZ (Arizona) except doctor offices.”
Chris and I also piped up, stating in our respective areas some still wear face masks.
Additionally, we all weighed in on another subject.
Planning for her own wellbeing, Chris admitted, “I also clearly need a fall alert thing.” The comment segued to us discussing emergency features on phones. Veronica recalled seeing a news story recently about new iPhones accidently having their emergency feature tripped on roller coasters, wondering if she too will set it off. Devin shared that happened to him once, leading him to frantically reach out to his emergency contacts to ensure them he was fine.
What about you? Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “Have you ever accidently set off the emergency feature on your phone? If so, what happened?” Respond below in the comments.
Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun starts at 8pm ET.
#CPChatNow 