Opportunity for conversation with others who understand living with cerebral palsy (CP) exists on X, every Wednesday, via the chat #CPChatNow. For example, relive with me, chat co-host Zachary Fenell, the discussion from August 21st, 2024. Just keep reading.

One experience you will likely encounter living with CP involves others making offhand comments.

Particularly, I recalled a comment I received at work the previous day. As I shared, “I was walking something out to somebody’s car. Seeing my gait, she said, ‘I have trouble walking too.'” I did not respond to the comment, but reflected in our discussion, “I thought to myself, I don’t have trouble walking. This is just how I walk.”

My co-host Devin Axtman replied, “That’s interesting. I would say I have a problem walking in the typical way, but it works for me.”

While Devin and I continued our dialogue, I acknowledged, “I know I walk different and that’s my walk. It’s not me having trouble walking though because I’m not trying to walk in the typical fashion.”

Anyway, moving on with the recap, I asked the chat about advocacy.

Specifically, I asked, “What does ‘advocating’ look like to you?”

Devin answered, “Could be different in different scenarios, but to mean it means stating what you believe.” What about you, though? Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What does ‘advocating’ look like to you?” Leave your reply in the “Comments.”

Now getting back to recapping the August 21st, 2024 chat, I explained why advocacy remained on my mind.

Regarding the subject, I said, “The advocacy topic came to mind because I was interviewed for a podcast last week (Champions of Resilience hosted by Olympian Amy Gamble) and I feel I could have answered the question of advocacy better.”

Meanwhile the podcast name caught Devin’s attention, as he commented, “I wish people focused on resilience more. I try to pride myself on that. Doesn’t always work, but I believe life isn’t about what happens to you, but how you react.”

Do your part to react to the extend-the-conversation question by answering, “What does ‘advocating’ look like to you?” Answer below!

Afterwards set a reminder to join us each Wednesday on X. The fun starts at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary