Various topics came and went during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, January 11th, 2023. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.

Early on in the evening, communal vibes strongly emanated.

Long-time participant Hannah stopped in to say she missed us all, but physically she did not feel up to participating. I know I am not alone in looking forward to the next time Hannah joins us.

In the meantime, the chat went on.

To prompt discussion, I asked our community, “How often do you stretch? What muscles do you have to stretch the most?” My co-host Devin Axtman responded, “Not enough that’s for sure!” Admitting, “When I’m feeling tight.” Regarding what muscles he has to stretch the most, Devin said “hamstrings and Achilles mostly.”

Personally, I resonated with Devin’s experiences. Also admitting, “I know I should stretch daily but I also end up stretching when I get tight.” In retrospect stretching daily sounds like a good goal to set. Appropriate, because January 11th, 2023, talk turned to goal setting.

The goal setting subject arose after I asked our community, “Has anyone set goals for 2023 to help you be healthier?” Devin replied, “I feel like I’m not good at this. Anyone have tips for setting goals you stick with?”

Timmy and I offered similar advice. I recommended setting measurable goals. For example, in 2023 I am striving to drink two bottles of water for every cup of coffee I consume. Additionally, I suggested making your goal into a habit, noting, “Say you want to read more. Even reading 10 pages of a book a day will eventually add up.”

Simultaneously, Timmy advised, “Make it a habit or use the SMART approach.” Besides making a goal measurable, the SMART approach involves setting goals that are specific, achievable, realistic, and timely.

Another helpful tidbit emerged as the goal setting discussion progressed.

Through the dialogue, Devin revealed, “I will slip for a day and feel guilty and then not get back to it.” A temptation I know all too well. However, over time I learned, “The key is not beating yourself up over yesterday’s failures but rather focusing on righting the track today.” Put that wisdom on display and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What will you accomplish today?”

Share below! Then before going to work away on your goal, set a reminder to join us for #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answer below!