Accomplishment remained a key theme during the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, April 27th, 2022. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Come and join me for your weekly recap.

The accomplishment theme began with members in our community helping me celebrate an achievement.

My achievement I teased in the chat’s opening minutes, saying “I’ve had an exciting week.” Although, Blemi and Veronica had already seen the news. They both sent congratulatory messages my way. For those who had not seen my news, I quickly shared the reason for my excitement.

Prior to April 27th I announced through my social media outlets that I had released my new memoir, Slow and Cerebral. The book details how I did not let my CP stop me from becoming a marathoner. Thanks to Amazon, Slow and Cerebral is available in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom.

Thank you for tolerating my cheap plug. Now let me resume recapping the April 27th chat. Stephen kept the conversation focused on accomplishments by asking a question.

Specifically, Stephen asked, “Do you think that when you have something that able people have that is a big accomplishment?” I answered, offering my opinion on accomplishments. In my opinion, “Big accomplishments should be measured in context with the person achieving them, not in comparison to who else has accomplished the same thing.”

Additionally, my co-host Devin Axtman responded to Stephen’s question. Devin said, “Depends on what it is.” Chris would share similar sentiments.

As Chris noted, “There are things that are universally big accomplishments.” She continued, correlating how feats achieved by people with disabilities get praised as “inspiring.” Nonetheless, Chris specified “But getting up and going to work or having a relationship… Those things are not inspiring, because they are expected.”

Said discussion progressed to highlight how setting goals to coincide with societal expectations could end up damaging. Let us stay positive though, and keep the conversation going by answering for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?”

After answering, make sure to mark your calendar for #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary