# @realchelseabear on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DeKzvw3Nun-
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71255771-realchelseabear-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/31a5259784.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-06T22:03:12.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Chelsea Bear (@realchelseabear) — https://gondola.cc/realchelseabear

## Caption

Seven years ago today, I was learning how to let people see my disability.

Seven years later, I’m learning how to let people see me.

Seven years ago today, I posted a video of myself walking on social media for the first time. I was terrified. I was so scared of how people would see me, what they would think, and what it meant to put something I had spent so much of my life being self-conscious about out into the world.

And now, here I am.

I’m still not always 100% comfortable watching myself walk. But my relationship with my cerebral palsy has changed in ways I never could have imagined that day.

The things I used to hide are now some of the things I talk about most openly. I’ve shared the hard moments, the funny moments, the awkward moments, the adventures, the frustrations, and so much of the everyday reality of living with CP.

And somewhere along the way, I found a community.

This year’s #UniqueANDUnited theme is about sharing the change we want to see. For me, part of that change is creating a world where people with disabilities don’t feel like they have to hide the parts of themselves they were taught to be ashamed of.

But I think I’m also realizing something else.

For so long, I was so comfortable being vulnerable about my disability that I forgot there are other parts of me I’m still learning how to share.

CP is a huge part of my story. It has shaped me, challenged me, and connected me with some of the most incredible people in my life.

But it isn’t the only story I have to tell.

Seven years ago, I was scared to let people see me walk.

Today, I’m incredibly proud of the girl who posted that video anyway - and I’m even more proud of the woman who kept showing up.

Happy World Cerebral Palsy Day! 💚

#WorldCPDay #UniqueANDUnited #CerebralPalsy

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,973
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- **Comments:** 92

## Tags

cerebralpalsy, uniqueandunited, worldcpday

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