When I first started going to speech therapy at Circle Creek, Courtni showed me an article about a list of things that another stutterer would have said to his younger-self if he could. I've always felt inspired by that article, & I decided to compile some things that I have learned about my stutter over the past 21 years. Here are 15 points about stuttering that I wish I could have told 12 year old me. :)
1. Stuttering is going to open more doors for you than you would have ever imagined.
2. Your vulnerability is going to be your greatest strength.
3. The way you react to your stutter is how others will too.
4. Even if you don’t believe me, stuttering will get easier.
5. Being more willing to stutter openly will help you stutter less. I know it sounds crazy, but it works.
6. You are more than your stutter; it is not the only thing that defines you.
7. Make that phone call. Falling into the trap that you can't do it is the worse thing that can happen, not stuttering.
8. Life's too short to not eat what you want. Order the steak salad! Even though the hamburger is easier to say.
9. Other people’s reaction to your stutter can’t be controlled. The only thing you can control is your response.
10. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. You deserve to be heard.
11. Surprise… you still want to be a speech therapist! Your journey to college won’t be an easy one, but it's SO worth it.
12. Any boy that is worth your time won't be phased by how you talk.
13. Your stutter won't go away by the time you're 21, and it probably never will.
14. You are a force to be reckoned with, and you are going to accomplish so many amazing things.
15. You will be successful not despite your stutter, but because of your stutter.
To learn more about speech therapy at Circle Creek Therapy, give us a call at 253.237.3405. We would love to talk with you!