Category Archives: Weekly Recaps

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-17-2024

Posted on by

Community, creativity, and more remained on display Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 during the live weekly cerebral palsy (CP) X chat #CPChatNow. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap.

Our chat’s communal vibe emerged early in the evening.

#CPChatNow participants wish Casey a happy birthday.

Casey mentioned the day was her birthday. Both Veronica and I wished Casey a happy birthday. Keeping the conversation going, I then asked participants about highlights and learning experiences from the past week.

Answering my own question, I called working on my latest blog post my highlight. The post, “A Meaningful Birthday Celebration,” (my annual birthday reflection post), doubled as a learning experience. I explained, “I thought of a goal to publish one blog post and one YouTube video a month. First, I discouraged myself thinking those goals weren’t ambitious enough, but then I realized those numbers would still double the content I released each of the last two years.”

Encouraging words came from Veronica, who replied, “It’s good to start small and build off it.” Meanwhile for Veronica her learning experience for the week occurred elsewhere.

Veronica and Zachary discuss writing poetry.

With April being National Poetry Month in the United States, Veronica commented, “Being April I’m open to learning about poetry. I’ve written a couple forms I haven’t tinkered with in awhile.”

In response, I mentioned feeling creativity’s temptation. I detailed, “An idea for a poem came to me today. In college I performed a poem titled ‘Who am I?’ celebrating my contributions to the college. With the college closing after this semester, I plan to rewrite the poem to celebrate my contributions to the college’s legacy.”

If the poem sounds interesting to you, stay tuned! First though, let us stay focused on finishing this recap. I went on to ask a question which sparked thought-provoking dialogue.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss the phrase, "The only disability in life is a bad attitude."

Curious, I asked the question, “What well-meaning phrase of positive advice irks you the most?” My co-host Devin Axtman responded, “The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” Devin explained his dislike for the phrase, saying “It’s not true and makes it seem like disability is a bad thing.”

Behind the bad stands well-meaning motives. As Veronica noted, “It’s common for teachers to see (say) thinking it helps students try new things.”

In response Devin admitted, “It’s not a terrible sentiment on its face.” However, he pointed out, “If you smile at a flight of stairs, they’re not gonna turn into a ramp.”

Adding to the discussion, I suggested, “the phrase would be better if it just focused on the power of attitude.” Offering the following as an alternative, “Conquering challenges starts with your attitude.” Your turn though to keep the conversation going. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What well-meaning phrase of positive advice irks you the most?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What well-meaning phrase of positive advice irks you the most?"

Answer below in the “Comments.” Afterwards, mark your calendar and join us every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 4/10/24

Posted on by

This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members discussed art projects, learning how to fall, and their favorite summer activities. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, members discussed their like (or dislike) of doing art projects. Timmy shared photography he had done and Chris shared an art project she recently completed.

zach asked if members liked doing art projects. Timmy shared his photography with pictures of baseball
chris shares a picture of a recent art project she did

Next, members discussed a common activity for people with Cerebral Palsy, learning how to fall in Physical Therapy.

zach tweets he learned how to fall one summer in physical therapy to prevent serious injuries. i tweeted i did the same thing after falling on the playground and almost breaking my wrist. zach tweets he suffered a concussion after a fall in school
veronica tweeted she was taught to go limp when she fell and because it saves her body from more injuries.

Finally, Veronica and Zach talked about their favorite summer activities.

zach asked what members favorite summer activities are. Veronica tweeted swimming, but she doesn't have a pool so she doesn't get to swim often

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What do you remember learning to do in Physical Therapy? I remember I went out by the elementary’s schools playground and I had to try to walk straight on the line students wait behind for the buses. If I fell off to either side, I fell in the “alligator pit.”

Thanks for reading and join us on X at #CPChatNow at 8 Eastern each Wednesday.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 04/03/2024

Posted on by

Different topics came and went Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 during the weekly cerebral palsy (CP) X (formerly Twitter) chat #CPChatNow. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your recap!

Early chit chat from the evening led to discussion about house hunting.

Zachary asks Devin what the more challenging parts of house hunting are.

My co-host Devin Axtman mentioned being on the hunt for a house, “which is tough.” That led me to ask what the more challenging parts of house hunting are. Devin responded, “That doesn’t fit in a tweet lol. Cost, interest rates, finding something we agree on, location, actually making an offer.”

The conversation led Veronica to express her relief over purchasing her house years ago.

Veronica adds to the house hunting conversation.

Specifically, Veronica said, “So glad we bought our house over 20 years ago. Between inflation, supply shortages and interest rates, buying a house now is difficult.”

Elsewhere in the chat I made a point to wish Veronica a happy National Poetry Month.

National Poetry Month conversation turns into dialogue about travel.

In her reply to me Veronica mentioned writing a poem about an airport adventure she experienced when moving out to Phoenix 25 years earlier. The poem (which you can read here) led us to discuss air travel with a disability. Our dialogue inspired me to ask a question.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow for tips about traveling with a disability.

Sparked by the air travel conversation, I asked participants for a tip on traveling with a disability. Devin answered, “Always get there early and pre board.” He further explained, “It gives me time to not feel rushed.”

Devin’s tip closely matched mine. As I stated, “I would rather wait an extra 30 minutes over being stressed about whether I am going to make it in time and rushing.” Adding, “Especially, since rushing means you aren’t focused like you should be which makes an injury more likely.”

What about you though? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is a traveling with a disability tip you have?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What is a traveling with a disability tip you have?"

Leave your tip in the comments below. Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us on X each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-28-2024

Posted on by

Every Wednesday people gather on X (formerly Twitter) for the live cerebral palsy chat #CPChatNow. To tell you about the discussion from Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, I am chat co-founder and current co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

With February coming to a close, participants in our community naturally looked ahead to the next month.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss their plans for Developmental Disabilities/Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.

In the United States of America we recognize March as Developmental Disabilities/Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Curious, I asked if anyone had plans for the month. My co-host Devin Axtman shared he will give another presentation on ableism.

Meanwhile I noted I am working on a blog post titled, “31 Life Lessons Learned Living with Cerebral Palsy.” I plan to publish the post in March.

Keeping to the awareness month theme, I asked the chat another question.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow, "What CP misconception would you like to see debunked the most?"

Creating awareness includes debunking a disability’s misconceptions. So, I asked “What CP misconception would you like to see debunked the most?”

Devin replied, “I know we have said it but more research towards adult treatments. Also that it’s not a ‘disease.'” What about you though? Let us keep the dialogue going. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What CP misconception would you like to see debunked the most?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What CP misconception would you like to see debunked the most?"

Leave your answer in the “Comments” section below. The extend-the-conversation question seeks to provide you the opportunity to add to the discussion without needing to belong to X. For those on X though, do mark your calendars to join us each and every Wednesday. The fun starts at 8pm ET and typically goes until 10pm ET. Feel free to come and go as your schedule allows.

Many who participate in the chat offer ringing endorsements. For example, Stephen.

Stephen states his love for participating in #CPChatNow.

Come checkout our community for yourself and see if we might be right for you.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-14-2024

Posted on by

Thanks to Valentine’s Day, the live cerebral palsy X (formerly Twitter) chat #CPChatNow remained on the quieter side Wednesday, February 14th, 2024. Still, the chat went on. If you happened to miss the discussion, do not fret! I, chat co-host Zachary Fenell, am here with your weekly recap.

Those who missed the chat included my co-host Devin Axtman.

Devin stops by #CPChatNow to note he is at Valentine's Day dinner.

Although, Devin did stop by to inform us he was eating Valentine’s Day dinner at an Italian restaurant. While Devin and surely others focused on being present for their Valentine’s Day plans, Veronica and I enjoyed a Valentine’s Day related conversation.

Zachary and Veronica discuss self-love.

I initiated the discussion by posing the question, “I believe love starts with self-love. What do you love about yourself?” Veronica commented “Zach, asking the hard questions tonight,” before responding, “I love my smile and my writing.”

Meanwhile I shared, “I love the sense of purpose I have in life. That purpose (make a positive difference in the life of others) helps direct my actions and decisions I make.” What about you though? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What do you love about yourself?” Leave your reply in the “Comments” section.

Veronica and I continued to discuss self-love after Veronica linked to an ABC 7 KRCR story on the topic.

Zachary gives his thoughts on an article about self-love Veronica shared.

Once I read the piece, I noted, “A lot mentioned in that article was also discussed in the book I recently read How to Be the Love You Seek by Dr. Nicole LePera.” Adding in a separate reply, “Another point made in the article that I think a lot of people struggle with is worrying their self-love will be mistaken as arrogance.”

Checkout the story for yourself, “Redding therapist talks importance of practicing self-love on Valentine’s Day.” Then reassure yourself that self-love is not arrogance and answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What do you love about yourself?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, what do you love about yourself?

Answer below! Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us every Wednesday on X, starting at 8pm ET. Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-07-2024

Posted on by

Various subjects came and went during the live X (formerly Twitter) cerebral palsy (CP) chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, February 7th, 2024. To fill you in on some highlights, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Like usual, the chat began with participants enjoying small talk with each other. That friendly chatter eventually led to discussion about how fast time moves.

#CPChatNow participants talk about how fast time moves.

Veronica provided a real life example demonstrating how the years can sneak by. She mentioned seeing Come Back Buddy the previous weekend and remarking to her husband, “It was 4 or 5 years since we heard them the first time.” Then Veronica realized, “The pandemic was 4 years ago. It’s been 6 years since we first heard the band!”

In response to Veronica, I noted “Next year will be my 20-year high school reunion.” Jokingly adding, “Time needs to slow its roll.”

My co-host Devin Axtman replied, saying “I had no desire to go to my high school reunion.” The reunion talk would continue.

Zachary talks about adding a 10-year reunion epilogue to his first memoir Off Balanced.

Personally, I looked forward to my 10-year high school reunion because I saw the occasion as an opportunity to show my peers a more authentic me. An authenticity I suffocated growing up by trying to hide my CP so I could blend in and be like everyone else. My emotional journey going from embarrassed about being different to embracing my CP I detail in my first memoir Off Balanced. As I mentioned in the chat, my 10-year high school reunion experience inspired me to add an epilogue to the book, which you could checkout on Amazon.

Enough shameless self-promoting on my end though! Let us get back to the conversation from February 7th, 2024. Since we focused our attention to time, a natural subject which arose involved keeping in touch with old friends.

Veronica and Zachary talk about keeping in touch with friends.

Reflecting on my friendships from high school and college, I explained those friends no longer live in the area creating an issue for keeping in touch. Meanwhile Veronica said, “I keep in touch with my childhood friends with Facebook and try to meet up with them when I get back home.” She continued, “I also tell everyone our door is open if anyone wants to get away from the snow.”

What advice would you give for maintaining friendships? Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “What advice do you have for keeping in touch with friends?”

Answer below in the “Comments” section. Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on X, starting at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, "What advice do you have for keeping in touch with friends?"

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-24-2024

Posted on by

Those who participated in the live cerebral palsy X (formerly Twitter) chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 found ways to adapt to circumstances and enjoy our community. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.

Initially, all seemed like just another Wednesday night discussion.

Veronica and Zachary discuss grief and dealing with loved ones who committed suicide.

Veronica and I discussed the extend-the-conversation question from the previous week’s chat which asked about staying positive while recognizing what sucks about life. I offered advice I learned from my friend James, “Let yourself feel negative emotions for 24 hours. Afterwards, move forward the best you can.”

Responding, Veronica noted, “I think it depends on the situation some negative emotions do not need 24 hours and others may need more. Like grief of losing a loved one will take more than 24 hours.”

The grief example resonated with me as I explained, “February 1st is going to mark 10 years since my friend Alex committed suicide.”

Elsewhere in the chat, others discussed friendship. Although, following said dialogue proved difficult due to technical difficulties.

#CPChatNow participants discover technical difficulties are preventing some posts with the hashtag #CPChatNow from appearing to others.

As Stephen and I talked about Stephen’s friend, Veronica posted, “I’m only seeing Zach’s half of this convo? Are you using the #CPChatNow Stephen?”

I confirmed Stephen had been using the hashtag and speculated, “There might be something going on with X.” Speculation that gained merit as we learned Veronica and I were only seeing each other’s posts in the hashtag thread. Meanwhile my co-host Devin Axtman only saw posts from Veronica and Stephen.

Despite X’s weird behavior displaying posts in the hashtag thread, we continued with the conversation.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss what traits make up a good leader.

Seeking to spark chatter, I asked “In your opinion, what traits make up a good leader?” Veronica mentioned “listening skills” while Devin replied, “The ability to know when to lead and when to follow.” What do you think though? Keep the conversation going by answering for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What traits make up a good leader?” Leave your reply in the “Comments” section.

After answering the extend-the-conversation question, make sure to mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on X starting at 8pm ET. Note while the chat starts at 8pm ET, you do not need to show up precisely at 8pm.

Hannah stops in late to say hi to #CPChatNow.

Instead take Hannah’s lead and pop in when possible. Whether that means joining the chat late like Hannah did January 24th, or leaving the chat early #CPChatNow remains a relaxed atmosphere. Come and go as your schedule allows.

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

-Zachary

P.S. Also remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “What traits make up a good leader?” Answer below!

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What traits make up a good leader?"

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-17-2024

Posted on by

Participants in the live weekly X (formerly Twitter) chat #CPChatNow enjoyed an insightful conversation Wednesday, January 17th, 2024. To dive deeper into those insights, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Interestingly enough, the spark for the dialogue January 17th occurred earlier that week on Friday, January 12th when chat regular Stephen used the hashtag in a post.

Stephen asks about how you overcome cerebral palsy.

In his post Stephen asked how you overcome cerebral palsy. Veronica chimed in, saying, “I don’t like the word overcome. You have CP. It is a part of who you are.” She would go on to advise, “Realize you’d be a different person without it. Take it slow and think of something that makes you happy that you wouldn’t have if you didn’t have cerebral palsy.”

Additionally, I responded, “Like Veronica, Stephen, I don’t think of cerebral palsy as something I overcome. I see CP as something I live with.” A discussion we examined further during the chat January 17th.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how they would describe their relationship with CP.

Raising the subject matter, I asked the chat, “How would you describe your relationship with cerebral palsy? Are you overcoming your CP? Living with your CP? Adapting?”

My co-host Devin Axtman replied, “I would say living with. I don’t think anyone ever completely overcomes a disability.”

Agreeing with Devin I commented, “If anything, we have to more overcome the stigmas and stereotypes related to CP instead of CP itself.” My comment led to conversation on another topic.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss feeling comfortable in your own skin and toxic positivity.

In responding to my post about overcoming stigmas and stereotypes, Veronica noted, “It does take time to feel comfortable in your own skin.”

Devin also responded, warning against toxic positivity. For anyone unfamiliar with the term, Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) describes toxic positivity as occurring when “encouraging statements are expected to minimize or eliminate painful emotions, creating pressure to be unrealistically optimistic without considering the circumstances of the situation.”

Specifically, Devin stated “I also think toxic positivity is not the greatest. Some things suck.” I would go on to address said “suck.”

Zachary offers his advice on how to handle the "suck" in life.

Concurring with Devin, I stated, “The phrase ‘It’s okay not to be okay’ comes to mind. You just cannot live in the suck. There needs to be a balance between being positive and recognizing what sucks about life.” Help us find that balance by answering for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you balance being positive with recognizing what sucks about life?”

Answer below! Afterwards, set a reminder to join us on X each and every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "How do you balance being positive with recognizing what sucks about life?"

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-10-2024

Posted on by

Community provides members support and such support remained on display Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 for the live cerebral palsy X chat #CPChatNow. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

The aforementioned support came into play after chat regular Stephen admitted to feeling down and asked for suggestions.

Veronica and Zachary offer Stephen suggestions to help lift Stephen's spirits.

Veronica responded, advising Stephen, “think of three things you are grateful for each day.” She would go on to add, “They don’t have to be big. Like I’m thankful I woke up this morning.”

Furthermore I recommended, “to not beat yourself up over the past.” Noting, “Unless you have a time machine, that’s a waste. Instead focus on what you could do in the present and future.” My insights ended up resonating with Veronica.

Zachary and Veronica discuss not beating yourself up over the past.

In-particular, Veronica said she brought this up in a recent #bloganuary post. Within the post Veronica answers the prompt, “What would you do different?” Make sure to read the post to see what Veronica had to say.

First though, add to our conversation here. Keeping a focus on suggestions for when you feel down, answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you cheer yourself up when you feel down?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "How do you cheer yourself up when you feel down?"

Reply in the comments below. Who knows? Your answer could help someone through a difficult time. So, please do share.

Afterwards, make plans to join us on X each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET. Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-03-2024

Posted on by

2023 saw many changes for the platform formerly known as Twitter, now going by X. One constant remained though, our live cerebral palsy chat #CPChatNow. While you would not know by looking at our website, we continue to hold #CPChatNow every Wednesday at 8pm ET. Life just left my co-host Devin Axtman and I, Zachary Fenell, pre-occupied, causing us to inadvertently abandon the recaps. No more though! With the New Year comes a renewed resolve to get the weekly recaps back on track. Shall we begin?

To start 2024, our community decided to reflect back on 2023. Admittedly, a direction I guided with a question.

#CPChatNow participants answer the question, "Looking back at 2023, what three words would sum up the year for you?"

Specifically, I asked, “Looking back at 2023, what three words would sum up the year for you?” Veronica answered, saying “Fun, happy, and peaceful.” Personally, I said “active, growth, and memorable.” Devin also answered, revealing one commonality in the word choices he and I selected.

Devin describes his 2023 with the words "change, fun, and growth."

Devin described his 2023 with the words, “change, fun, and growth.” I replied, emphasizing I also said “growth.” In-particular I mentioned seeing relationships with co-workers grow into legit friendships, I myself grow into a better person, and jokingly noted I grew out my hair and wardrobe. But, how about you? Answer for the returning extend-the-conversation question, “Looking back at 2023, what three words would sum up the year for you?”

Engage us and answer in the comments! The whole point behind the extend-the-conversation questions remains creating opportunity for engagement. As Veronica and I would discuss Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024 creating content others will engage with stands a challenge.

Zachary and Veronica discuss the challenge of getting people to engage with blog posts and other content.

The topic arose after I asked Veronica about any feedback she received to her blog post recounting her 2023. She noted receiving a few likes, which left me to comment getting a reader to click the “Like” button takes effort. Veronica would go on to tell me about a blog writing challenge WordPress has in January.

Time will tell what we discuss next in 2024! Make sure to join us each and every Wednesday on X for #CPChatNow. The fun starts at 8pm ET. In the meantime, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Looking back at 2023, what three words would sum up the year for you?” Answer below!

Until next time, don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

Answer below, "Looking back at 2023, what three words would sum up the year for you?"