commentr/StutterNovember 28, 2015

Content

This might get a little long, so I'll put the short version right up top: TL;DR Learn to love yourself and don't let the assholes define you. Brother, I say brother cause I assume you're a guy probably right around 20 years old, I know how hard it is and my heart aches for you. All the normals out there take it for granted and nothing makes me madder. We stutterers agonize over every word and they just spout whatever inane nonsense that comes into their brain. I know that this is what you want to be able to do but I want you to know that we have the advantage. Actually thinking about what you want to say before saying it is a skill most people never learn and that truly does give us an advantage. It is like a chess player who can think an extra move in the future. Now, I can feel you fighting this outlook. I can hear you saying " I don't want to be fucking special! I just want to be normal!" I know, me to. And guess what? We don't get to. I AM a stutterer. I might be mostly fluent these days as a 36 year old man but I still get stuck, I still have my bad days. But I don't give a shit because the world can either take me as I am or it fuck off because my sense of self worth is not defined by others and i truly LOVE who i am. This is the most important part; Learn to love yourself. I know it's hard but all you have to do is find ONE thing about yourself you like and build on it. Learn skills that you enjoy, find hobbies that fulfill you and let all the rest slide as much as you can. There are always going to be assholes whose eyes are going to glaze over as you try and finish a sentence, piece o' shit mother fuckers who laugh at you and repeat your stutter back to you like it's a joke. You have to let it go. You don't need those fucks. This is another way that being a stutterer gives you the advantage; there is no finer asshole test in the world. Fuck em! Now, this next one hurts, but it is the thing that will free you: dream only for yourself. Don't have dreams that need anyone else to fulfill. It sounds lonely as fuck but I don't know another way. First, you are the only person you can control. Second, people are more attracted to a person who truly doesn't need others. You may have to be a stutterer but that isn't all you are. Be proud of who you are and others will follow.

Themes

Coping & AdvocacyIdentity & DisabilitySocial & Relationships

Subthemes

Mindset shiftAcceptance & PrideFriendships & BelongingPower Dynamics & Intimidation