Monthly Archives: May 2024

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-22-2024

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Wednesday after Wednesday people gather on X for the live cerebral palsy chat #CPChatNow. To tell you all about the discussion from Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Starting the conversation on a fun note, I shared a clip of me doing karaoke from the previous weekend.

The video would go on to spark much dialogue throughout the night.

Karaoke conversation leads to discussion about asking for help and much more!

Initially, Veronica and I discussed the intricacies involved with karaoke. My co-host Devin Axtman added another layer to the chatter when he commented, “I wouldn’t have the guts to even sing so good on you!”

In response, I mentioned, “Honestly, I find saying ‘I need help getting up and down the stairs’ (to the stage) more nerving than the actual karaoke.” This led to talk about asking for help. As I stated, “Too frequently asking for help is seen as a sign of weakness, but it really is a strength, showing self-awareness and honesty with oneself.”

Devin related, saying “I used to worry about asking for help, but it doesn’t bother me now. Maybe it’s an age thing.” Devin’s age theory makes sense to me since aging gives you experience and experience creates better perspective.

What do you think though? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you feel about asking for help?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

First, let us continue with our recap. Besides asking for help, the karaoke dialogue evolved into conversation about courageous actions.

#CPChatNow participants discuss something courageous they have either done or want to try to do.

Specifically, I asked the chat, “What is something courageous you have either done or want to try?” Veronica revealed facing a fear multiple individuals in our community possess, the dreaded escalator! Veronica recalled, “I rode up an escalator by myself. It was over 10 years ago when I was traveling alone and there was a lot of construction in the terminal and I couldn’t find the elevators.”

Meanwhile Devin answered, saying, “Dating.” Adding, “So glad that’s over haha.” A whole new dimension comes into play if you factor dating in with the prior discussion about asking for help. Regarding the latter, remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “How do you feel about asking for help?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "How do you feel about asking for help?"

Respond below! Afterwards set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 5/15/24

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This past week in #CPChatNow was grooving as always. Members discussed handling conflict and what they would change in their life. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, Zach and I discussed how to handle conflict. We discussed the importance of active listening and conflicts bringing opportunities.

zach talked about attending a conflict management program at work and discussed how to handle conflict. i tweeted it is best dealt with directly and with active listening. zach tweeted active listening is key and one of his coworkers said conflict is learning opportunity

Next, members discussed what they would change in their lives if anything.

zach asked what changes people would make in their life. I tweeted I would have more fun in college because nobody has asked about my gpa. Zach tweets he would've taken his freshman year in college more seriously. I tweeted I also would've bought a house 4 years ago
veronica tweeted her husband and her have talked about they couldn't afford to buy a house in today's market and they bought their house 24 hours ago.
chris tweeted she would've studied social work in 2012 after ending up in a lot of debt

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What do you do if you start experiencing regrets? Please share your answers in the comments and join us tomorrow night on X at 8 Eastern.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap-5/8/24

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This past week in #CPChatNow was bumping as always. Members discussed engagements, job searches, new sports, and how CP impacts their mental health. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, we would like to congratulate #CPChatNow co-host, Jorge Oteiza, on his recent engagement!

jorge oteiza announcing his engagement with a picture of him proposing to his fiance

Next, Gracielita discussed her search for jobs, specifically work from home jobs.

gracelita and zach discussed the job search process, specifically work from home jobs to maintain her health

Next, Stephen mentioned that he has been getting into tennis by watching it on TV and playing video games.

steven and zach tweeted about how stephen has gotten into tennis by watching and playing video games

Finally, Zach and I talked about the changing impact of CP on mental health as we age. I also want to recommend folks check the recent episode The Accessible Stall Podcast did on the subject of cures.

zach asks how CP impacts people's mental health. i shared this has changed as i have aged and experienced more pain. zach agreed aging creates new challenges

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are your favorite things to do for mental health self-care?

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-01-2024

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Different subjects came and went during the live weekly X (formerly Twitter) cerebral palsy (CP) chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, May 1st, 2024. If you missed the discussion, do not worry! I, #CPChatNow co-host, Zachary Fenell, am here to provide you with your recap. Shall we get started?

Early in the evening my co-host Devin Axtman sent out congratulations to a previous chat co-host.

Congratulations to previous chat co-host Blake Henry on his recent engagement.

Devin congratulated Blake Henry on his recent engagement. The exciting news Blake had shared on Instagram. Through keeping in touch on multiple platforms, the connections made in our community transcend our weekly chats. In the process, expanding our support system. A good support system helps nurture other benefits. For example, self-confidence.

Devin and Zachary discuss self-confidence.

Self-confidence surfaced as a topic for discussion when I asked the chat, “What helps you fuel your self-confidence?” Within Devin’s reply he mentioned his support system, saying, “(I) remind myself people have confidence in me.”

Regarding other people showing confidence in you I said, “I find the last part kind of builds into itself. Other people have confidence in you which gives you confidence and as a result more people end up having confidence in you.”

As the self-confidence dialogue progressed, Devin named an element vital to self-confidence, “You have to love yourself. Part of that is not comparing yourself to others.”

In my opinion, an important pillar for learning to love yourself stems from positive representation in media, whether the news, TV shows, or books. In relation to disability and children’s books, I sought recommendations, asking “Do you have any recommendations of picture books for introducing a child to disabilities?”

#CPChatNow participants discuss recommendations of picture books for introducing a child to disabilities.

The subject lingered in my mind after coming across I Am Extraordinary by Stephen Curry at work. Summarizing my thoughts on the book, I said, “The overall message is great (pretty much don’t blend in. Blend out!) However, there are a couple portions that feel too ‘inspirational porn’ like.”

Beyond I Am Extraordinary, Veronica named the children’s series, The Abilities in Me. Each book in the series explores a different disability, such as ADHD, autism, and cerebral palsy. Your turn now! Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What picture books do you recommend for introducing a child to disabilities?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What picture books do you recommend for introducing a child to disabilities?"

Answer below! Afterwards mark your calendar to join #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-24-2024

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Every Wednesday folks gather on X (formerly Twitter) for the live cerebral palsy (CP) chat, #CPChatNow. Here to provide highlights from the April 24th, 2024 chat, I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell. Get ready for your weekly recap!

The power community offers remained on display early in the evening.

Stephen explains how #CPChatNow has empowered him.

Chat regular Stephen shared, “Thanks to #cpchatnow I can say what I want to say.” When I expressed an interest in learning more about his comment, Stephen explained, “It was I can say whatever I want and I know yall will understand.”

Elsewhere in the night’s discussion, understanding showed with participants chatting about how cerebral palsy can impact going to a concert. The dialogue eventually led to a concert-related question.

#CPChatNow participants discuss their favorite venues for seeing concerts.

I asked participants what their favorite venues for seeing concerts are. My co-host Devin Axtman and I both named outdoor venues in our respective areas. Regarding outside concerts, I commented, “Part of a outside concert’s charm is weather. Weather influences the atmosphere of a show. I’ve been to concerts where it down poured for a portion of the show and it only made the concert that much more memorable.”

While rain can help make an outside concert more memorable, I occasionally feel I need something to make all tasks on my to-do list memorable. Therefore, I asked a question.

#CPChatNow participants share their tactics for staying organized.

Seeking ideas, I asked, “How do you stay organized and keep track of everything you have to do?” Stephen said, “My memory.” Quite impressive, at least in my opinion.

Meanwhile Devin answered, “notes app on my phone. Memory a bit too but that’s not working as well.” What about you though? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you stay organized and keep track of everything you have to do?” Reply in the comments.

However, first mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, "How do you stay organized and keep track of everything you have to do?"