Tag Archives: courage

#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- 10/16/2019

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#CPChatNow was active as always last week. Members discussed things such as what makes someone courageous, how their CP can help them avoid hazards, and the difficulty of asking for help. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, Zach asked what it is that makes someone courageous. I shared my opinion that courage is doing something that is needed even if you are scared.

Zach and I discuss what makes somebody courageous. I share it is doing something that is scary, but doing it anyways. Zach shared he felt it was not letting fear stop you.

Next, Zach talked about avoiding tripping at a family clam bake due to being extra conscious of a misplaced step.

Zach tweets he avoided tripping over a step at a clam bake due to being conscious due to CP. Paul tweets he is the same way because of his wheelchair and walking with braces and crutches. Zach tweets he looked for trip hazards at high school reunion.

Next, talked turned to a difficult issue that many people with Cerebral Palsy and disabilities in general face, asking for help. I shared I sometimes don’t ask for help due to the many things I am unable to do and wanting to maximize the things I can do. Zach shared a similar story at the clam bake.

I shared I don't ask for help because there's a lot I can't do and I want to maximize what I can do. Zach shares a scenario of carrying his drink at clam bake and needing to ask for help.

Hannah and Zach tweeted about the feelings surrounding asking for help.

Hannah also tweeted agreement with help sometimes feeling condescending while sometimes she has a sense of appreciation. She tweeted sometimes it relates to the quality of the relationship and sometimes it's her self consciousness.

Hannah and Zach also tweeted further about the fear of being a bother:

Zach and Hannah tweet about being independent to a fault and the fear of being a bother even if they don't see them that way. Zach tweeted he was nervous about working with the Towpath Marathon. Zach tweets this has helped him build confidence to not be a burden.

I want to go back to Zach’s tweet about the step and the clam bake. I know I have been in situations where my CP spidey sense saved me from a sticky situation that people without CP experienced. This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: How has CP helped you avoid bad situations able bodied people experienced? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow on Twitter.

Extend-the-conversation question in green. How has CP helped you avoid bad situations able bodied people experienced? below with a stop sign in the bottom right hand corner and the multi-colored #CPChatNow logo in the top right hand corner.

-Devin