Encouragement Notes Podcast

If you have anymore questions please don’t hesitate to ask

This episode is a mini Q&A

What I want people to know about people who have Cerebral Palsy
1.  We are capable of telling our own stories
2. Ask before you help us
3 Don’t assume we are frustrated and miserable

4. Don’t see a different piece of equipment as a setback

Challenge Accepted @itslololove and @livesolonow My name is Marie Nicole Zimmerle I’m 42 I’m a singer, a podcaster, a theatre lover, and an advocate My favorite color is purple and I love coffee 🙂 #youdontneedtoknowmydisabilitytrauma My disability shouldn’t make me an inspiration. What I do should

Hi I hope all is well and you’re having a wonderful day.  What are you up to today? I’m excited to be going back to #lifegroup at church, it’s another one of my happy places.  I’ve been blessed that God has been growing my life and I can’t wait to see where he takes me next.  If you haven’t yet, please listen to my latest episode called Why am I in a life group.

I joined a life group at church back in the early 2000’s when our church decided to move away from Sunday school before the main morning service and created our weekly Life groups throughout the week.  Life groups are a place where you can dig deeper into the sermon and share your heart with the people in your group. I love my group.

October is world cerebral palsy awareness month, but I would prefer to replace awareness with celebration.  It is true that I have to do a lot to maintain my mobility,but I’ve reached the point in my life where I do not want to be fixed and I am unashamed of the way I look with my equipment.  I finally understand what disabled Joy feels like. It’s  mastering a turn in dance class, it’s being in a room and approaching a handsome guy without thinking OMG I look weak. It’s being able to independently get from one place to another with the help of accessible transportation and it’s being in the room that have powerful women like you who let you know there’s nothing to be afraid of nothing to be ashamed of and there is nothing wrong with you. I hope that through out this month and the rest of my life. I can be an example for other women and men who need to see that it’s okay to use equipment and to get around. CP is not a death sentence. It does not make you look weird and if you let it, it will empower you to change the world around you!

I created this episode because a friend asked me how has dance changed your life?