#DearMeTenYearsAgo

Dear younger Tylia,

You’ve come a long way in life, but you still have a long way to go, my friend. Continue living your life with cerebral palsy to the best of your ability, even when people judge you for being different. Keep being who you are – the sensitive bookworm who loves listening to Justin Bieber and Toby Keith on repeat.

Don’t worry about what people think of you. You have been able to achieve so much in your life so far. You’ve gone from the computer-crazy teen to the girl who started her own YouTube channel about her everyday life with a disability. Although not everything you’ve tried worked out, you should be proud of how willing you are to try new things. Don’t give up because you still have so much potential.o

I promise you, you will be just fine, even though it doesn’t feel that way right now. Even though you wish you could be someone different, you will learn that you are a strong, beautiful young woman, even though you have overcome many challenges.

Eventually, you will start writing about all of the difficult things you’ve gone through so far. You’ll write your first book, then become published on many sites, including Yahoo! You’ll share about coming to accept your cerebral palsy (which you will someday, I promise!) and tell others how you felt when your biological father wasn’t in your life.
Speaking of your biological father, you will soon realize that he’s pretty ignorant about life with a disability. He won’t understand that CP is your God-given gift, which will teach you to appreciate your amazing father figure. You’ll learn that kind man has always been there for you and tries to understand your struggles. He is your real dad.

Despite everything you’ve been through, don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself and others. You will make an impact through your writing and even your radio show, so please be yourself because she’s amazing. You will show everyone what you are capable of, and yes, you will have the last laugh.
Love,

23-year old Tylia