Let's Lose the Stigma.

It's seems like now a days you are "different" if you aren't normal.  But what exactly is "normal" or even "different."

My whole life I have been teased & told what I wasn't.  I wasn't skinny. Beautiful. Rich.  I was never coordinated & didn't have any talents that I thought mattered. I wasn't in relationships until after my peers.  I was once told by a close family member that I must be lesbian cause I never had brought a boyfriend to family events.  I remember being teased by a boy in 5th grade just to be teased for standing up for myself.

The point is - we are all different & there truly is not a normal person in this world. We all have strengths - we all have weaknesses - we are all "able" & "disabled" at the same time. We all are the same -  we eat, sleep, breathe, live, laugh, and love.  What we like and our talents are what make us unique & special.

Many people would be surprised to learn I struggle with anxiety.  If I ever tell someone new, it's like super surprising to people.  They say "you are so friendly.  You are always happy.  I don't understand how you aren't normal."

There is many thing people don't know about me.... Like that I was molested by a babysitter when I was young or that I was pretty close to committing suicide one summer in my teens.

Does that make me different?  Does that make me "normal?"  Absolutely not.

I've had terrible things happen to me in and out of my control.  It's pretty much no secert to anyone reading this I suffer from PCOS Syndrome (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) - along with hyperthyroidism & POTS- that will leave me never to be called a mom.

Do I want your pitty?

Absolutely not.

But does that mean I should be ashamed of who I am or that I struggle with these conditions.

Absolutely Not.

The more awareness that can be brought to these issues is the best thing that possibly could ever happen.

Im such a strong adovcate of giving everyone a voice - right or wrong.  Black, white, purple, or orange.  Small or old.  I have my own personal beliefs but that don't mean they are right or that they count less than anyone else.

I guess that's another reason why running for Best Buddies is the perfect organization to do this fundraiser for. A lot of times - people with physical, intellectual, & even emotionally disabilities are not accepted or given a voice in our society.  Best Buddies gives these people that are often "cast of" by society a voice & a meaningful chance to make a difference in not only their own lives - but in those around them as well.

We need to end the stigma that we need to take pitty on others because they aren't "normal."  But what is "normal" & show me one person that is "normal"

The answer my friends is no one is.

Everyone deserves a voice - a chance to be heard - a chance to live life to the fullest - and a chance not to be looked down upon for what they don't have...  Because nobody on this earth has everything.

Let's end the stigma. 

It's okay to be who we are & live the life the good lord chose for us to the fullest.

Every single life matters.