Indeed. The impediment was top of mind throughout elementary, high school, college, and graduate school. It was only once I hit my stride in my career that I found I was really able to 'let go'. I wish I had let go sooner. The message here is to be patient with yourself and know it gets better...so much better. Life is complicated enough as an adolescent, never mind being an adolescent with a speech impediment, so cut yourself some slack. I turned 40 this year, have been happily married for 15 years to an amazing woman, have 2 perfect kids, and a very successful career for a Fortune 100 company. Every year that passes is better than the last when it comes to fluency. As goofy as this may sound, I find it analogous to mastering an instrument. Hindsight lesson - NO ONE CARES AS MUCH AS YOU DO. In fact, I used stuttering anecdotes in job interviews to show characteristics of my determination and grit (and got the job offers). OWN IT and walk on...don't let it own you and limit your progress. For GOT fans, Tyrion said it best: *“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not.* ***Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness****. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”*