My Voice Matters: Understanding the Emotional Toll of Stuttering

By Kelley Duren-Jones

Unlock the Power of Your Voice: Overcoming Stuttering and Embracing Self-Love

 

Are you tired of feeling held back by the fear of being heard and seen? Do you want to break free from limiting beliefs and negative self-talk and achieve greatness? Immerse yourself in a heartfelt journey of resilience, self-discovery, and the triumph of a voice that refuses to be silenced.

 

Stuttering often carries an unseen burden, its emotional impact hidden beneath the surface. My Voice Matters emphasizes the importance of understanding and valuing all voices, including those with covert stutters. It serves as a societal reminder to support and honor every unique voice, thereby fostering a world that reflects the diversity of human expression. Through sharing painful experiences, the author encourages you to release layers of fear, hurt, shame, and self-doubt to uncover your unique voice, just as she did.

 

This book is for anyone who has ever suffered from self-esteem issues, anxiety, self-doubt, lack of motivation, self-care or self-love, negative self-talk, the impact of others' negative words (and perhaps your own negative words towards yourself), excessive worry, fear, career advancement issues, unhealthy relationships, or the fear of being heard and seen. You will learn to level up your self-awareness, self-care, and self-love with faith-inspired and hope-filled solutions that work.

 

A must-read for anyone navigating life's challenges, "My Voice Matters" highlights the importance of patience, self-love, and the power of a faith-inspired and hope-filled journey toward accepting and embracing one's unique voice. Unlock your true potential and set yourself on a path to greatness. Don't wait – get your copy today and start discovering the incredible freedom that comes with the courage to be heard and seen!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelley Duren-Jones
• Release date: Oct 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223277132

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 My Voice Matters – Uncovering the Emotional Toll of Stuttering

Published by Kelley M. Duren-Jones

All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Copyright © 1977,1984, 2991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Cover and Interior Design: Kelley M. Duren-Jones

Printed in the United States of America

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without prior written permission of the publisher, except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and specific noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. To request permission, contact the copyright holder at [e-mail] with the subject Permission to Reproduce My Voice Matters -Understanding the Emotional Toll of Stuttering Book.

LEGAL DISCLAIMERS.

While my role is to assist you in your growth pursuit, it is important to note that your achievement largely depends on your personal drive, dedication, commitment, and consistency. I cannot foretell or assure you of your success despite my sincere hopes for you to attain remarkable accomplishments!

www.graced2grow.com

DEDICATION

With deep appreciation, I dedicate this book to five remarkable individuals who continue to play pivotal roles in my life.

To my loving and supportive husband, DeShawn , thank you for loving me past my imperfections, being not just my partner in life and business but also my best friend, provider, protector, and constant source of encouragement. Your unwavering love means the world to me.

To my daughter, SyKira, my biggest motivation and blessing from God. Being your mother and witnessing your growth into a resilient and beautiful woman is an honor. Thank you for your continuous encouragement and support. May you always believe in yourself, chase your dreams, and reach for the stars. Remember, no matter where your journey takes you, you have the power to write your own story. Mommy loves you!

To the best Dad, Wayne, my first love, first date, and first hero. Your actions and words taught me the true meaning of love and how to both give and receive it wholeheartedly. Your sacrifices for our family and the countless ways you have enriched my life are immeasurable. I love you! – Forever Daddy's little girl.

To my loving Mom, Sharon, thank you for the invaluable lessons you have taught me about honoring and trusting God. You have shown me how to live according to His word and empowered me to embrace my purpose and pursue my dreams with unwavering determination. I am eternally grateful that your steadfast love and guidance have molded me into who I am today. Thank you for your endless support and being an inspiring beacon of light in my life.

To my beloved Grandmother, Bettie Jean, words cannot express how much I miss you. Thank you for exemplifying the essence of unconditional love. You taught me the value of staying focused on my goals and instilled in me the resilience to withstand the challenges that come my way. Grandma, you are dearly loved and profoundly missed.

Thank you, God, for the abundant grace, hope, guidance, testimonies, and invaluable insights creating this book. I am truly blessed beyond measure!

CONTENT

Introduction: 3

Personal story of experience with stuttering

Overview of the book's purpose

How the book can benefit readers

Chapter 1: Hiding in Plain Sight: 9

Childhood experiences with stuttering and hiding from speaking situations

The emotional toll of feeling less than and defeated

The impact of teasing and ridicule from classmates and family

Chapter 2: The Many Faces of Fear:19

The author's night terrors and dreams related to stuttering

How fear controlled the author's life in various ways

The impact of toxic relationships and settling for less than

Chapter 3: Finding Strength Through Love: 30

The journey to self-love and acceptance

The role of becoming a single mother in changing her perspective

Going back to college and facing a speech-related challenge

Chapter 4: From Panic to Poise: 39

Experience with public speaking and how it transformed her

Learning to trust in God and discovering the value of her voice

Applying the lessons learned to other areas of her life

Chapter 5: Graced for Purpose: 53

Embracing imperfections and striving for resilience

Turning stuttering from a source of shame into a source of strength

Inspiring others to find their purpose and overcome adversities

Chapter 6: Shame Interrupted: 68

The complex emotions of shame that often accompany stuttering

Explores techniques for interrupting and reframing shame

Building a healthier relationship with their stuttering

Chapter 7: Once a Wound, Now a Weapon: 100

What was previously sources of stress and trauma, have been converted into powerful tool.

Conclusion: 105

A message of hope and empowerment, reminding readers that their voice matters, regardless of any speech impediments

Encourages readers to embrace their own unique journey and find strength in their vulnerability

A heartfelt LETTER TO MY STUTTER: gratitude for the lessons learned, acknowledging the impact on life, and offering words of encouragement and healing

Dear Reader: A PERSONAL PRELUDE

Greetings,

I am thrilled to welcome you to My Voice Matters - Uncovering the Emotional Toll of Stuttering. This book is not just a deep dive into the stuttering world and its emotional aspects; it is a personal and informative journey of faith, resilience, and self-discovery that I am excited to share with you. At the heart of this book, you will find stories of overcoming challenges, fighting self-doubt, and breaking away from the limiting beliefs that often hold us back. Whether you are someone who stutters, someone who knows or interacts with a person who stutters, or simply someone on a path of understanding and personal growth through challenges, this book is written for you.

In these pages, I have shared painful experiences I chose to keep hidden because of the lingering trauma they carried. This book is my release – a letting go of layers of fear, hurt, shame, and self-doubt. It is my shout-out to the world and myself that I am enough, that my voice matters, and that I am perfectly imperfect, just as we all are in the eyes of God. God looks at us with eyes full of hope and love, even amidst our flaws and weaknesses. As James 1:4 beautifully says, "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

My Voice Matters is a faith and hope-inspired guide to help you overcome the challenges that may be limiting you. It is a reminder that YOUR VOICE MATTERS, that you deserve to be seen and heard, and that you can achieve greatness. Your challenges may not be related to stuttering. But if we are honest, we all have areas in our lives that need extra attention, growth, and improvement. This book is for anyone who has ever grappled with self-esteem issues, anxiety, self-doubt, lack of