Everyone Has a Story

I have always been intrigued by other people's stories. Where their journey has taken them and what they plan to go next. This is one reason a lot of the books I own are biographies or autobiographies. The most recent one I have finished was Anthony Ervin's, Chasing Water: Elegy of an Olympian. I vaguely remember watching him swim in the 2000 Olympics and a few times after that. Listening to him on the Rich Roll Podcast brought some of those memories back but shed light on something I didn't recall, Anthony Ervin has Tourette's. As soon as the podcast was over I ordered the book.

When it arrived I couldn't wait to put the first crease in the binding and get to turning the pages. The book is co-authored and written extremely well. The words flowed smoothly, which is saying a lot as they typically jump around when I tic, and made you feel like you were right there as the stories unfolded. Then he got to the Tourette's. He did a great job explaining what it is like living with Tourette's. As quick as I got to the part about Tourette's I was through it even quicker. I remember thinking to myself, that is it!?!?!

After finishing the book I got to thinking about my story. Yes, I have had Tourette's since I was 11.  Yes, I tic all day long, everyday. Yes, Tourette's is one thing I can always count on being there. However Tourette's is only a small part of who I am. This isn't to say I don't think Tourette's hasn't helped make me who I am today but it isn't all I am.

So as I tell my story I will never shy away from talking about Tourette's but I will remember I am so much more than my Tourette's