Everyday Advocacy: Meghan Johnson on Living Fully With Cerebral Palsy

Out of the Blue - The Podcast: Finding the Way Forward

What happens when we refuse to be defined by limitations? Meghan Johnson's story captivates from the first moment she shares her infectious laugh and wise perspective on living with cerebral palsy. This isn't just another inspirational tale—it's a masterclass in finding authentic joy through life's unexpected challenges.
Growing up as an identical twin, Meghan was fortunate to have supportive teachers and friends who recognized her potential early. Yet she also encountered those who tried to make her feel like she didn't belong. Instead of internalizing these negative experiences, she transformed them into motivation, developing an unshakable sense of self-worth that radiates through every word she speaks.
When Megan explains her spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, she does so with remarkable clarity and humor. "My body does a lot of things I don't want it to do," she laughs, describing everyday moments that might frustrate others but that she approaches with levity. Her perspective on accessibility challenges—like being charged an extra $200 for a concert just because she needed a personal care assistant—illuminates the additional planning required for activities many take for granted.
The conversation takes a profound turn when Meghan discusses gratitude and joy. She articulates how facing significant challenges can actually expand one's capacity for gratitude in ways that might not otherwise be possible. "When you're stuck in a routine... sometimes when those monumental things happen, it will just expand your views and fundamentally change you as a person," she observes with wisdom beyond her years.
As an "everyday advocate," Meghan doesn't speak from stages to thousands, but her lived experience demonstrates that people with disabilities can lead rich, expressive, joyful lives. Her relationship with her young nephew beautifully illustrates this—he's curious about her wheelchair, eager to help, and completely comfortable with difference because that's what he knows.
Perhaps most striking is Meghan's insight about disability as a "gift." She clarifies: "It's not like 'oh, I'm so grateful this happened to me.' It's like I'm grateful that it has given me this perspective on life." This distinction offers listeners a nuanced understanding of how hardship can transform into wisdom.
Ready to be inspired? Follow Meghan's journey and discover how choosing joy transforms everything.

Cerebral Palsy Foundation: https://www.cerebralpalsyfoundation.org/

Follow CPF on Instagram: @yourcpf

Follow Meghan on Instagram: @princessmeg1998

Out Of The Blue:

For more: outoftheblue-thepodcast.org

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Chapters

1. Welcome to Out of the Blue (00:00:00)

2. Megan's Journey with Cerebral Palsy (00:01:29)

3. Understanding Cerebral Palsy (00:04:56)

4. Finding Artistry Through Writing (00:06:34)

5. Music, Accessibility, and Live Concerts (00:09:03)

6. Gratitude Through Life's Challenges (00:12:46)

7. Being an Everyday Advocate (00:16:39)

8. Joy, Laughter, and Perspective (00:22:58)

9. Finding Sunshine in Every Moment (00:35:27)

10. Closing and Contact Information (00:36:59)