Sometimes I find myself thinking about people who speak normally, and I think that their life must be so much easier. But in actuality, they may have issues going on in their lives that are not as pronounced or noticeable as our speech impediments. I recently came upon this realization when venting to a friend. I’m pretty outgoing and my parents always forced me to verbalize what I need. I remember my dad telling me to go ask for ketchup at a restaurant and me completely freaking out. But now that I look back at it, it actually gave me the strength and the tools to get what I need as an adult. Anyway, I was venting to my friend that I had been annoyed with some of my classmates in my masters program who always lean on me and ask me to speak to teachers on behalf of the group, ask questions, etc. I was telling her that I have no patience for this because growing up with a speech impediment, I had to consciously make an effort every time I opened my mouth to say anything. So what’s their excuse? What are they afraid of? She made me realize that everyone has their own issues and insecurities. Just because someone may not have a stutter, it doesn’t mean that their life is easy. I still find myself thinking about their “Easy” lives often, but I try to make an effort to remind myself that no one’s life is easy. Anyways, sorry for my rant. I hope it helps someone out there.