#CPChatNow Recap- 09-07-2016

Posted on September 9, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Excitement stirred throughout the evening Wednesday, September 7th, 2016. I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell, ready to compress all the excitement into a weekly recap. This week’s Twitter chat coincided with the 2016 Paralympics opening ceremonies. Naturally the conversation drifted to the games.

Now while I directed my question to Devin, anyone could answer. So let us open up the floor. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “Are there any particular Paralympic events you are looking forward to?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Discussion went beyond the Paralympics too. I sparked dialogue with my greeting by asking about lessons learned this week.

lesson-about-comfort-zones Hamda’s reply led to detailed talk about leaving comfort zones.

cpchatnow-members-leaving-comfort-zones Additionally I shared some community news, officially announcing our September 2016 Google Hangout date.

Google Hangouts gives our community a chance to chat face-to-face using web cams. Please contact me via a Twitter DM with any questions on how to join.

Glancing ahead next week looks eventful for us at #CPChatNow. You may recall Wednesday we hold September’s focus chat. A chat our own Jen will lead!

Before starting a countdown to September 14th and September 15th though, allow me to finish recapping this week’s Twitter chat. Towards the chat’s end conversation returned to the Paralympics.

Honestly, like Blemi I did not always know the difference between the Paralympics and Special Olympics. However, I quickly learned in 2012 when writing the following blog post, “Debunking Misconceptions: Paralympics/Special Olympics Confusion.” Feel free to pass on the post to help educate others on the differences.

Meanwhile also remember to answer this week’s extend-the-conversation question. “Are there any particular Paralympic events you are looking forward to?”

Comment below to respond.

Talk with you later!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-31-2016

Posted on September 2, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Current events sparked much dialogue during our August 31st, 2016 live Twitter chat. I am co-host Zachary Fenell and you can probably guess why I am here. Yes, to bring you our weekly recap!

As I previously mentioned many conversations Wednesday evening revolved around current events. For example, the UK soap opera Emmderdale caused controversy recently.

Obviously I would not advise forming an opinion without reading the actual story. So here you go- “Emmerdale viewers boycott soap for airing disgusting comments about…”

#CPChatNow’s international presence came into play with the Emmerdale discussion. Chat frequenter and UK resident Yasmin contributed a knowledgeable opinion, like the above screen shot shows.

Another chat regular Devin brought up a current event a little closer to where most participants call home.

Again, I imagine you want a live link to the news story. “A Florida State football player made sure a boy with autism didn’t eat lunch…” Personally intrigued by the story Devin shared, I asked a follow-up question.

Honestly, my inquiry did not stimulate the dialogue like I expected. Maybe other talk overshadowed the question. Time to find out. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Did you ever eat alone? Did you care?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

Resuming recap mode, the current events orientated discussion transitioned from news stories to events in our own lives. The announcement for our September 2016 focus chat unofficially initiated the transition.

Make sure you mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 14th. Prepare to share what you collect. Perhaps you will even discover a cerebral palsy connection.

Cerebral palsy played a role in an interaction regular Erin dealt with earlier in the day. A mother approached Erin to tell her about the mother’s son with cerebral palsy. The encounter raised questions regarding expectations.

Often for me such conversations come while I train for my half marathon. I hope though, through participating in different races I am making cerebral palsy more visible. Lake View Cemetery, where I completed my most recent 5k, mentioned me in their latest newsletter for instance.

Thank you for reading the week’s recap. Remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

“Did you ever eat alone? Did you care?”

Leave your responses below in the “Comments” section. Then join us Wednesday, September 7th at 8pm ET for our next Twitter chat. If you don’t tweet, come interact with us on our Facebook fan page.

Talk soon!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-24-2016

Posted on August 26, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Wednesday, August 24th, 2016 we at #CPChatNow waded into the thought pool’s deep end. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, ready to recap what turned into a very insightful chat. By post end you may think about cerebral palsy in new ways!

Oddly enough though, the conversation started off slow. Personally, regular Devin set my night off to a nice start.

For your reading pleasure I will add a link here, “You Belong! No Matter Your Cerebral Palsy.” If you enjoy the read, check out my other posts, and even subscribe!

Anyways I should stop self-promoting and refocus on recapping the August 24th chat. Discussion about success began the wading into the metaphorical thought pool’s deep end.

Dialogue continued on what makes someone successful and also life’s priorities. A late comer soon turned the chatter more cerebral palsy specific.

Shira‘s question sparked concern from regular Jen.

I tried attributing Shira’s feelings in-part to her age. However, additional factors became increasingly evident.

Other participants’ responses on the matter fueled my gender theory.

Shall we keep exploring the issue at hand? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “Do you ever visualize how life was ‘supposed’ to be?” Respond via a comment in the “Comments” section.

Before wrapping up I wish to revisit a point captured in an above screen shot. Participants expressed how #CPChatNow reduced feeling lonely. That speaks to a support system’s importance, something emphasized again later in the night.

We at #CPChatNow can assist passing the time required to build a good in-person support network.

Obviously participating in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat supplies the best way to utilize our support network. Still my co-host Blake Henry and I know not everyone tweets. Hence we work hard to provide other platforms for community contribution.

First and foremost like our Facebook fan page. The page shares cerebral palsy related stories daily. Like and leave comments on the posted items.

Then too exists opportunity within the extend-the-conversation question. Remember today’s question asks “Do you ever visualize how life was ‘supposed’ to be?”

Reply by commenting below.

Later!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- Creative Outlets and Their Mental Health Benefits Focus Chat

Posted on August 19, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Cerebral palsy, while largely a physical disability, maintains mental health implications. Those remained on full display during #CPChatNow Wednesday, August 17th. I am co-host Zachary Fenell here to bring you highlights from our “Creative Outlets and How They Help with Mental Health” focus chat.

As the clock ticked closer to 8:00pm ET, anticipation built.

To begin the chat our guest Danielle Kerani (@AKKerani) introduced herself.

Once Danielle asked the first question, the many creative outlets available became evident.

The various creative outlets proves a positive, especially for us in the cerebral palsy community. Like my comment about drawing illustrates (pun intended), CP can transform relaxing outlets into cause for stress. Hence the importance to finding the right creative outlet for you!

Discovering the correct outlet may lead to multiple benefits too. One community member Yasmin named a great example.

Moving forward question three expanded the dialogue past creative outlets to therapeutic outlets in general.

Now what about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What outlets in general do you turn to for therapy?” Leave a comment in the “Comments” section to answer.

First though, perhaps we should continue with the recap. Danielle’s thought provoking questions kept our community thinking all chat long. She even challenged us to think about the topic in innovative fashion.

However, not everyone said individual. Actually, I argued mental health stands a pursuit which entails both options.

Continued chatter raised a critical aspect to mental health.

Wisdom that deserves repeating, “Anxiety is versatile. So must we be.” Keep this in mind when battling your anxiety and doubts. Or, when helping others combat threats to their mental health.

Finally, to conclude today’s recap I on behalf the #CPChatNow community wish to thank Danielle Kerani for joining us August 17th. I recommend following her on Twitter at @AKKerani. For more about her and her business visit http://akkerani.com.

With gratitude,
-Zachary

P.S. I almost forgot to remind you. Answer the extend-the-conversation question. “What outlets in general do you turn to for therapy?”

Simply comment below with your response.

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-10-2016

Posted on August 18, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Summer proved an unofficial theme during the August 10th, 2016 #CPChatNow Twitter chat. Co-host Zachary Fenell back as promised to supply the recap. A question from my co-host Blake Henry led to the summertime discussion.

Those I interviewed include my younger brother Nick and my father Bill. If interested, check the videos out. After you finish reading the recap obviously!

With that shameless plug finished, let me resume focus. Regular Hannah Pike reminded us accomplishment manifests itself in many ways.

Never overlook simple perseverance through tough times. Thriving often first requires surviving. Whether a grand accomplishment or persevering, let the #CPChatNow community know your summer 2016 accomplishments. Answer today’s extend-the-conversation question.

“What is one thing we are glad to have accomplished during the summer months?”

Share by leaving a comment in the “Comments” section.

Moving on, talk about the Olympics kept the unofficial summer theme going.

Amidst the Olympics chatter an admiration for gymnasts’ elegant movements arose.

Sadly I predict with future summer Olympics officials will continue contending with lying. On a positive note, I can additionally see my co-host and I enjoying an outdoor adventure together in a future summer. A prospect we discussed August 10th. Discussion that led to insightful dialogue about using mobility devices.

Blemi‘s insight about nobody caring wowed me. Your turn now! Wow me and the #CPChatNow community by answering today’s extend-the-conversation question.

“What is one thing we are glad to have accomplished during the summer months?”

Comment below to brag on your accomplishments.

Until next time!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-03-2016

Posted on August 16, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016 proved an eventful night for us in the #CPChatNow community. Hi, co-host Zachary Fenell here risking Saturday school with a severely tardy recap. Please allow me to explain.

So, my dog ate my Twitter account. Just kidding (obviously)! Actually bad storms knocked out my power all day last Wednesday (August 10th). Therefore I could not complete the recap before the August 10th chat. Fear not, though! For your viewing pleasure the recaps for both August 3rd and August 10th will go up in the next 24 hours. This assuming no more power outages.

Early conversation August 3rd supplied reason for gratitude and positivity.

Anticipation built too as I promised to reveal our August 2016 focus chat details.

Shira went on to ease the announcement wait by igniting dialogue.

That question led to another one.

Overall learning how to handle differences requires strong mental health. The topic our August focus chat will cover!

Go ahead and visit akkernai.com to familiarize yourself with Danielle (@AKKerani). Also note the focus chat happens TOMORROW! I hope you can join in. The chat begins at 8pm ET.

In the meantime let me finish recapping the August 3rd Twitter chat. An additional highlight from the dialogue examined cerebral palsy’s best and worst parts.

Shall we keep the answers going? Answer as the August 3rd extend-the-conversation question, “What are the best and worst parts of cerebral palsy?”

Answer by commenting below!

I’ll return soon with the August 10th recap. Until then!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-20-2016

Posted on July 28, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Friendship, safety, and more arose as discussion topics during Wednesday, July 20th, 2016’s #CPChatNow. Co-host Zachary Fenell here with the much delayed recap. My co-host Blake Henry will stop by later in the week with the July 27th recap. In the meantime shall we focus on July 20th?

A bad experience for regular community member Devin sparked conversation early.

Personal experiences kept the dialogue flowing. We discussed the tricky transition from high school to college and said impact on physical therapy. An issue regular Alena will soon face.

Also on July 20th, National Inclusion Project ran a hashtag initiative. They asked people to use the hashtag “#friendshipis” to promote inclusion. Liking the concept, I suggested we at #CPChatNow participate.

Actually I loved the #friendshipis campaign so much I wrote a detailed blog post on the matter over at my blog. To self-promote a bit, checkout out the post.

Additionally, give your opinion too! The week’s extend-the-conversation question keeps the July 20th conversation rolling. “What is friendship to you?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.

Speaking about comments, a post from the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page stirred some chatter. Talk which crossed over into the July 20th Twitter chat.

Read the specific post for more context. Make sure you like the Facebook page too! Blake and I work diligently to share cerebral palsy related stories through the page. Similar to the extend-the-conversation question, the Facebook page keeps the community fun pumping all week long.

Since I mentioned the extend-the-conversation question, let me remind you to answer this week’s question.

“What is friendship to you?”

Respond by commenting below.

Talk with you all later.

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- Concert Going with Cerebral Palsy

Posted on July 20, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Wednesday, July 13th, 2016 #CPChatNow’s own Jocelyn led July’s focus chat on concert going with cerebral palsy. I am co-host Zachary Fenell ready to rock the recap. No cover charge needed! Just sit back and enjoy.

As the discussion started flowing, Jocelyn’s credentials became quite evident.

While fun, concert going with cerebral palsy can prove physically challenging. Such challenges multiple people addressed.

If you do not hear back from the venue or musician, Jocelyn named a last resort option.

Before proceeding with the recap, how about you chime in? Answer the following for the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “What’s the most physically challenging show you attended?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

Moving on, my co-host Blake Henry sparked dialogue by asking Jocelyn a question.

Throughout the night Jocelyn emphasized reaching out to inquire about accessibility options. A point she echoed again in her final comments.

Hopefully you found the insights recapped here helpful. Remember you can still add to the discussion. Take a moment to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

“What’s the most physically challenging show you attended?”

Like always, leave your response in the “Comments” section below!

Talk with you later.

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-06-2016

Posted on July 13, 2016 by zacharyfenell

To kick off July the #CPChatNow community reflected. Co-host Zachary Fenell here, guilty causing said reflections. Everything started with one question.

Besides building community to reduce isolation, another common theme emerged from the answers.

Current events actually wound up finding a way into the night’s dialogue as well.

Speechless revolves around JJ, a nonverbal young man with cerebral palsy, and his family. This three-minute trailer gives a good idea what issues you can expect Speechless to tackle.

While my response to live tweeting Speechless remained partly humorous, doing so could lead to amazing dialogue. Obviously people will need to watch to make live tweeting work. Therefore let me ask as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “In the fall do you plan to watch Speechless?” As always respond in the “Comments” section.

Though an exciting buzz surrounds Speechless, let us not overlook the summer. Much summer fun still awaits ahead. Maybe you plan on seeing a couple concerts. If so, you will want to stop by tonight on Twitter for our “Concert Going with Cerebral Palsy” focus chat. Tonight’s focus chat leader Jocelyn dropped in last week to share her excitement for tonight.

My co-host Blake Henry reminded us a second reason to feel excited about the week.

Once a month we use Google Hangouts to enjoy a video chat. The invitation goes out around 8pm ET. Do you want to join the Hangouts fun? Please direct message Blake or myself to request an invitation. To maintain a private setting we do not post the link publicly.

Meanwhile as you stir in excitement for tomorrow’s Google Hangout and tonight’s focus chat, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“In the fall do you plan to watch Speechless?”

Your answer will help determine if we should live tweet the show come September. Answer below by commenting.

Tweet you soon!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-29-2016

Posted on July 6, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Writing a cerebral palsy memoir remained among the popular topics discussed during #CPChatNow Wednesday, June 29th. Hello again! Co-host Zachary Fenell finally here to recap our most recent chat.

Before talking about writing memoirs though, regular Devin showed off his brand new shirt.

If you want to wear your #CPChatNow pride too, your opportunity closes fast. The #CPChatNow T-Shirt and Tank Tops Fundraiser ENDS THIS MONDAY (JULY 11TH). Profits go to the nonprofit Keep On Keeping On Foundation. Make sure you order ASAP!

With that reminder finished, time to re-focus on recapping. Early on my co-host Blake Henry and I teased announcing our July events. Before those however, the dialogue picked up with a question asked the previous week.

Other aspiring authors emerged from our community as well. Their ambitions helped reveal the challenges involved in writing a cerebral palsy memoir.

As someone with a published cerebral palsy memoir, I added an experienced voice to the dialogue. To share a shameless plug my memoir Off Balanced remains available on the Kindle and Nook. Off Balanced focuses on my adolescent years, particularly how my CP impacted me socially. Basically my journey from embarrassment to embrace over CP.

Yet, not everyone possesses the writing skills to write a book. Said fact raised a valuable point.

Let us use this week’s extend-the-conversation question to highlight the various platforms you can use to express yourself. Answer “What platform would you use to share your cerebral palsy story?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Continuing on, like promised, Blake and I announced our July events. First I broke news about our July focus chat.

The “Concert Going with Cerebral Palsy” focus chat marks our latest internal focus chat. Internal focus chats give our community members the spotlight to share their expertise and passions. After making our July 2016 focus chat announcement I put a feeler out seeking future internal focus chat leaders.

Contact Blake and/or I via a Twitter direct message if interested in this pro bono opportunity. Speaking of Blake, he announced the date for our July Google Hangout.

Do not miss any July #CPChatNow fun! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 13th (“Concert Going with Cerebral Palsy” focus chat) and Thursday, July 14th (monthly Google Hangout). Then come back to your device to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“What platform would you use to share your cerebral palsy story?”

Again, answer by commenting below. Finally, remember you MUST purchase your #CPChatNow shirts by Monday, July 11th. Order ASAP!

Tweet you later!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow

Online community for those with cerebral palsy!

Author Archives: zacharyfenell

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-07-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-31-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-24-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- Creative Outlets and Their Mental Health Benefits Focus Chat

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-10-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-03-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-20-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- Concert Going with Cerebral Palsy

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-06-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-29-2016