I’m sure at some point in our lives we have all come into contact with someone who has Tourette’s syndrome. For those of you who haven’t, well, you have now. I have Tourette’s. I was diagnosed around age 9 in the fourth grade. Talk about trying to fit in. I never did ‘fit’ in, but looking back I’m glad that I didn’t. To me, being able to live your life without the worry of upsetting a specific group of friends makes more sense, and quite frankly involves much less drama. I hate stereotypes, mainly because they give off false information that aggravates the person or group that you are stereotyping. One stereotype that I get put into for having Tourette’s is that I cuss and say swear words. I have never done that. Tourette’s isn’t about cussing. In fact only ten percent of people with Tourette’s actually cuss involuntarily (it’s called coprolalia).

1. If Tourette’s was only about swearing, I think I might actually enjoy it more. Getting to say whatever is on your mind simply because you cannot help it seems awesome, right? Well, it’s not. Try applying for a job. Who is going to want to hire someone who says ‘fuck you’ every two minutes? Not many. It’s not fun, or funny. It’s humiliating. Tourette’s is about acknowledging society’s ignorance, and accepting that people are people. Now, I am not saying that I don’t ever catch myself stereotyping or judging people because I do. I mess up, and act impulsively, just like you because..well….I’m human also.

2. Have you ever been told to stop sneezing? Probably not, because most people know that you cannot control it. Imagine getting asked that when you go to order food at a restaurant because you are constantly sniffing, or are shopping in the local mall and you smack your lips all the time. It gets frustrating, but Tourette’s is about realizing people question everything, and that’s okay because it’s human nature. Honestly, if people didn’t question what I was doing, then I would get worried. It shows me that it’s human nature to be curious. By asking what I am doing, it lets them learn something new, and hopefully they can pass it along to others.

3. To me, Tourette’s is about learning to laugh at yourself and acknowledging that doing so is acceptable. If you can’t laugh at yourself, then people are going to assume that your Tourette’s is a weakness for you. Yes, at times I would enjoy a little break, but in the end I am a stronger, more intelligent person because of my ability to embrace what would be considered a weakness.

4. My Tourette’s has allowed me to appreciate differences in people. It’s taught me to not only be more accepting of myself, but also of others. You never know what anyone is going through until you have been in their shoes. Having Tourette’s has given me a way to see the world in different ways. I aspire to learn about others, so that I can learn about myself. Aren’t we all connected? Don’t we all deserve dignity and respect? You see, I don’t want sympathy from people, or to hear, I’m sorry, that must suck. Yes, at times it does suck but you know what? I am alive. I have a house, and wonderful parents who have provided me with a life of happiness, so if the worst of what I must go through is to have this disorder which in turn has only made me a stronger individual, then I am grateful. I am grateful that I do not have to wake up in a hospital bed, or out on the streets. I’ve been blessed, even if that blessing seems hidden at times.

Embrace your differences. If each of us were the same, this world would be dull and boring. Be curious without being cruel.