Paul @ Define Normal
@definenormalpt.bsky.social
Autistic PT, Strength & Mental Health & Exercise coach.
Based in Sheffield, UK.
Loves nature, listening, talking and helping good people.
Based in Sheffield, UK.
Loves nature, listening, talking and helping good people.
Pinned
Hiya, first post so I'll introduce myself.
My name is Paul and I've been a PT for almost 9 years. I'm also neurodivergent and I'm aiming to help people just like me to feel stronger, healthier, happier and more able to cope with what life throws our way.
Say hi if you see this. 👋🏼
My name is Paul and I've been a PT for almost 9 years. I'm also neurodivergent and I'm aiming to help people just like me to feel stronger, healthier, happier and more able to cope with what life throws our way.
Say hi if you see this. 👋🏼
Someone asked me how I was doing the other day and when I answered "I'm ok" he said "Hmmm, not sure I believe that".
It made me feel really uncomfortable and invalidated, especially as I was actually ok.
Better for him to say "You sure?" instead of his actual reply. It was annoying.
It made me feel really uncomfortable and invalidated, especially as I was actually ok.
Better for him to say "You sure?" instead of his actual reply. It was annoying.
March 1, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Someone asked me how I was doing the other day and when I answered "I'm ok" he said "Hmmm, not sure I believe that".
It made me feel really uncomfortable and invalidated, especially as I was actually ok.
Better for him to say "You sure?" instead of his actual reply. It was annoying.
It made me feel really uncomfortable and invalidated, especially as I was actually ok.
Better for him to say "You sure?" instead of his actual reply. It was annoying.
I really love being able to spot my people in the gym.
Little unmasked behaviour patterns that I've started to recognise as 'probably neurodivergent' to 'definitely neurodivergent'. Far more noticeable since I self diagnosed.
It pleases me to see ND folks all doing our fitness thing.
#autistic
Little unmasked behaviour patterns that I've started to recognise as 'probably neurodivergent' to 'definitely neurodivergent'. Far more noticeable since I self diagnosed.
It pleases me to see ND folks all doing our fitness thing.
#autistic
February 27, 2025 at 11:34 AM
I really love being able to spot my people in the gym.
Little unmasked behaviour patterns that I've started to recognise as 'probably neurodivergent' to 'definitely neurodivergent'. Far more noticeable since I self diagnosed.
It pleases me to see ND folks all doing our fitness thing.
#autistic
Little unmasked behaviour patterns that I've started to recognise as 'probably neurodivergent' to 'definitely neurodivergent'. Far more noticeable since I self diagnosed.
It pleases me to see ND folks all doing our fitness thing.
#autistic
February 26, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I hope it's been a good start to Wednesday.
Wellness can be both mental & physical. Whether it's listening to you talk about your life & what's going on that's making you happy or causing stress, to reminding you to drink water regularly & be mindful of your food choices & get enough sleep.
Wellness can be both mental & physical. Whether it's listening to you talk about your life & what's going on that's making you happy or causing stress, to reminding you to drink water regularly & be mindful of your food choices & get enough sleep.
February 26, 2025 at 3:23 PM
I hope it's been a good start to Wednesday.
Wellness can be both mental & physical. Whether it's listening to you talk about your life & what's going on that's making you happy or causing stress, to reminding you to drink water regularly & be mindful of your food choices & get enough sleep.
Wellness can be both mental & physical. Whether it's listening to you talk about your life & what's going on that's making you happy or causing stress, to reminding you to drink water regularly & be mindful of your food choices & get enough sleep.
How's everyone? How's your day gone? What's on your mind? Good, not so good? Share your thoughts. It's good to talk. 😊💜
February 25, 2025 at 9:10 PM
How's everyone? How's your day gone? What's on your mind? Good, not so good? Share your thoughts. It's good to talk. 😊💜
Strong glutes are a great 'ass'et. Do your squats and lunges. 😁🍑
February 24, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Strong glutes are a great 'ass'et. Do your squats and lunges. 😁🍑
Hi everyone, it's a mindful Monday. Mindfulness is being more aware of how we're feeling, what we're doing & how we react in the moment.
Have a think about how you're feeling today.
What's your mood today? Check in with yourself and rate it 1-10. What would improve it & can you make changes?
Have a think about how you're feeling today.
What's your mood today? Check in with yourself and rate it 1-10. What would improve it & can you make changes?
February 24, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Hi everyone, it's a mindful Monday. Mindfulness is being more aware of how we're feeling, what we're doing & how we react in the moment.
Have a think about how you're feeling today.
What's your mood today? Check in with yourself and rate it 1-10. What would improve it & can you make changes?
Have a think about how you're feeling today.
What's your mood today? Check in with yourself and rate it 1-10. What would improve it & can you make changes?
Mental health and exercise coaching is about allowing us to talk & feel a little better while we become stronger & improve our health.
This type of training promotes a holistic approach to health& fitness, focusing on our physical & mental health together.
ND aware. DM if interested. 😊💜
This type of training promotes a holistic approach to health& fitness, focusing on our physical & mental health together.
ND aware. DM if interested. 😊💜
February 18, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Mental health and exercise coaching is about allowing us to talk & feel a little better while we become stronger & improve our health.
This type of training promotes a holistic approach to health& fitness, focusing on our physical & mental health together.
ND aware. DM if interested. 😊💜
This type of training promotes a holistic approach to health& fitness, focusing on our physical & mental health together.
ND aware. DM if interested. 😊💜
Tip to avoid or at least limit overwhelm. Planning!
Got to visit a supermarket? Write a list. Visit at a quiet time if possible. Use a familiar store with a familiar layout.
I know not as these are possible all of the time, but it can certainly help even if we only get one out of 3.
#autistic
Got to visit a supermarket? Write a list. Visit at a quiet time if possible. Use a familiar store with a familiar layout.
I know not as these are possible all of the time, but it can certainly help even if we only get one out of 3.
#autistic
February 16, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Tip to avoid or at least limit overwhelm. Planning!
Got to visit a supermarket? Write a list. Visit at a quiet time if possible. Use a familiar store with a familiar layout.
I know not as these are possible all of the time, but it can certainly help even if we only get one out of 3.
#autistic
Got to visit a supermarket? Write a list. Visit at a quiet time if possible. Use a familiar store with a familiar layout.
I know not as these are possible all of the time, but it can certainly help even if we only get one out of 3.
#autistic
Reposted by Paul @ Define Normal
It's a new week, friends.
Remember to protect your health and mental health.
Find joy, peace & happiness where you can. ✌️💙
Remember to protect your health and mental health.
Find joy, peace & happiness where you can. ✌️💙
February 10, 2025 at 2:55 PM
It's a new week, friends.
Remember to protect your health and mental health.
Find joy, peace & happiness where you can. ✌️💙
Remember to protect your health and mental health.
Find joy, peace & happiness where you can. ✌️💙
It's ok to be different. We don't all have to be the same, and we don't all have to live up to the same standards set by toxic, unrealistic body and beauty standards.
We can be happy if we let go of that, and focus on what WE want instead of what we're told we should be.
#health #happiness
We can be happy if we let go of that, and focus on what WE want instead of what we're told we should be.
#health #happiness
February 14, 2025 at 6:38 PM
It's ok to be different. We don't all have to be the same, and we don't all have to live up to the same standards set by toxic, unrealistic body and beauty standards.
We can be happy if we let go of that, and focus on what WE want instead of what we're told we should be.
#health #happiness
We can be happy if we let go of that, and focus on what WE want instead of what we're told we should be.
#health #happiness
It doesn't have to be complicated. Stick to the basics and keep showing up.
Lift weights and get stronger, practice mobility and stretch, be mindful, stay hydrated, sleep well and get enough rest, eat well and enjoy your food, keep moving and live your life for you. 😊💜
Lift weights and get stronger, practice mobility and stretch, be mindful, stay hydrated, sleep well and get enough rest, eat well and enjoy your food, keep moving and live your life for you. 😊💜
February 12, 2025 at 8:09 PM
It doesn't have to be complicated. Stick to the basics and keep showing up.
Lift weights and get stronger, practice mobility and stretch, be mindful, stay hydrated, sleep well and get enough rest, eat well and enjoy your food, keep moving and live your life for you. 😊💜
Lift weights and get stronger, practice mobility and stretch, be mindful, stay hydrated, sleep well and get enough rest, eat well and enjoy your food, keep moving and live your life for you. 😊💜
2 clients in so far today. Both guys in their late 40s. Both got things going on, & I'm really honoured to be able to train with them while they talk about what they're dealing with, & just try to lighten their load a little.
Really listening to people is one of the kindest things we can do.
Really listening to people is one of the kindest things we can do.
February 12, 2025 at 9:08 AM
2 clients in so far today. Both guys in their late 40s. Both got things going on, & I'm really honoured to be able to train with them while they talk about what they're dealing with, & just try to lighten their load a little.
Really listening to people is one of the kindest things we can do.
Really listening to people is one of the kindest things we can do.
This is just one of the things I do, as well as mobility & flexibility in areas that tend to trouble us as we age.
Our back, knees, hips & shoulders will tell us if we're not using them enough, so use it or lose it. Get moving to keep moving, & live pain free for longer.
#keepmoving #stayactive
Our back, knees, hips & shoulders will tell us if we're not using them enough, so use it or lose it. Get moving to keep moving, & live pain free for longer.
#keepmoving #stayactive
February 11, 2025 at 1:53 PM
This is just one of the things I do, as well as mobility & flexibility in areas that tend to trouble us as we age.
Our back, knees, hips & shoulders will tell us if we're not using them enough, so use it or lose it. Get moving to keep moving, & live pain free for longer.
#keepmoving #stayactive
Our back, knees, hips & shoulders will tell us if we're not using them enough, so use it or lose it. Get moving to keep moving, & live pain free for longer.
#keepmoving #stayactive
Reposted by Paul @ Define Normal
Playing D&D with friends and inevitably we talk politics a bit.
DM: "Let's focus! We are talking about the monsters we can slay; not the ones we can't."
DM: "Let's focus! We are talking about the monsters we can slay; not the ones we can't."
February 11, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Playing D&D with friends and inevitably we talk politics a bit.
DM: "Let's focus! We are talking about the monsters we can slay; not the ones we can't."
DM: "Let's focus! We are talking about the monsters we can slay; not the ones we can't."
Notice your glimmers when they happen.
A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger. It's a moment, an event or a feeling that brings joy.
It's good notice them & allow ourselves to be fully in the moment, wrap ourselves in it like a blanket & really feel it.
#autistic #glimmer #joy #feel #happy
A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger. It's a moment, an event or a feeling that brings joy.
It's good notice them & allow ourselves to be fully in the moment, wrap ourselves in it like a blanket & really feel it.
#autistic #glimmer #joy #feel #happy
February 11, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Hiya, first post so I'll introduce myself.
My name is Paul and I've been a PT for almost 9 years. I'm also neurodivergent and I'm aiming to help people just like me to feel stronger, healthier, happier and more able to cope with what life throws our way.
Say hi if you see this. 👋🏼
My name is Paul and I've been a PT for almost 9 years. I'm also neurodivergent and I'm aiming to help people just like me to feel stronger, healthier, happier and more able to cope with what life throws our way.
Say hi if you see this. 👋🏼
February 11, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Hiya, first post so I'll introduce myself.
My name is Paul and I've been a PT for almost 9 years. I'm also neurodivergent and I'm aiming to help people just like me to feel stronger, healthier, happier and more able to cope with what life throws our way.
Say hi if you see this. 👋🏼
My name is Paul and I've been a PT for almost 9 years. I'm also neurodivergent and I'm aiming to help people just like me to feel stronger, healthier, happier and more able to cope with what life throws our way.
Say hi if you see this. 👋🏼