Letter to my 23 year old self



If I could go back and tell my 23 year old self anything after my epilepsy diagnosis this is what I would say. 
Although it feels like the end of the world right now, it’s really not. This is just the start of a difficult but amazing journey. Don’t listen to that ridiculous neurologist who has told you you will never teach, or study, or graduate. Don’t listen to the medically trained fool who has told you you will never be able to run half marathons again. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. 
You are stronger than you think you are, you can do this. You have never listened to anyone who has told you no, so don’t start now. It’s time to put your big girl pants on and get this journey started. 
You have the most amazing friends and family behind you, even though you can’t see it right now, they are going to push you along. Sometimes you’re going to get mad at them and that’s ok but remember everything they do they do out of love. 
You are going to meet some people on this journey that will inspire you and make you see all that you are capable of. People who believe in you even more than you believe in yourself. Two of the most influential people you are going to meet are going to be Tracey and Kelly. You are going to absolutely love them, you just don’t know it yet. They are going to make you see all that you can be and push you through the hard times, sometimes with a little tough love. They’re going to play good cop bad cop every now and then but don’t let that put you off! 
Stop being embarrassed by your epilepsy. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In a few years you are going to laugh at all the things that you feel embarrassed about right now.
Stop trying to fit in, you were clearly born to stand out!!! 
Believe in your dreams, work hard and make them come true. 
Finally, tell all those people who are doubting you to watch you shine, because you were not only born to be a winner, you were born a champion xx 


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