Acceptance of oneself is one of the hardest tasks of all, especially when you stutter. Many people discuss how to deal with your stutter but not many people discuss the journey toward acceptance of your stutter. The road to acceptance of your stutter is a long and strenuous one. It takes many years for anyone to fully accept themselves for who they are, even without the added pressure of a stutter. I know for me it was very difficult.
When I was younger, all I wanted to be was “normal.” I wanted to have perfect speech and most of all, I wanted to fit in. I always felt different from my classmates and hated myself for not being like everyone else. But over time, I realized my stutter is an integral part of my identity. Writing Different Like Delia helped me cope with my stutter and discover who I was deep inside. During this time, I understood that stuttering made me a kinder and more tolerant person. It shaped me into who I am today, and I am forever grateful for my stutter.
Though having a stutter is not always easy, it is something that sets you apart and shapes every aspect of who you are. Throughout your life, you will continue to have bad days where you feel out of control, and you feel as if your stutter is working against you. But you must remember where you started and all you have overcome. Everyday is different with a stutter but each new day reminds you how far you’ve come and how strong you are.
