Here’s a letter I wrote to try to show myself some self-compassion.

Dear Rachel,

It’s not your fault that you whisper instead of speaking at a normal volume. It doesn’t mean that you’re stupid or defective.

It’s a rational response to the things you experienced in your childhood. Your brain is just trying to protect you.

It’s not your fault that you feel unloved. It’s not your fault that you feel like a burden. It’s not your fault that you feel less than human. You were failed in many ways by the people who were supposed to protect you.

It’s unfair to compare yourself to people who never had to face the challenges that you’ve faced throughout your life.

Don’t worry, you’re already making a lot of progress. You’re doing so much work on yourself that most people wouldn’t do in their lifetimes. Your brain just needs time to let go of its old protective responses.

Your dreams will come true one day. I believe it.

Love,
Rachel