Howdi, Hi and Hello everyone!
I’m a newbie, and would like to introduce myself :]

I’ve been reading some past post’s throughout the forum, and found myself becoming quite choked up. Especially by the younger members, describing their struggles with bullying and their self image.

I’m 22, and I have never met anyone else with a cleft lip, I’ve spent my life being the unique one.
Yes I’ve been stared at and yes I’ve been called names. I’ve been called a monster by a grown person who should have known better while travelling on public transport.
But I also know it’s ignorance, and can smile back with pity because; I’m successful, I’m in a happy relationship and have an amazing number of friends who have never treat me any different.
That which caused those people to be mean to you, is a weakness which you yourself do not posses. Therefore, they are the different one, not you.

The most sensible advice my mother ever told me was, that everything happens for a reason. Which I truly believe. If I didn’t have my cleft lip and palate I wouldn’t be me, I wouldn’t be living MY life, and I believe those harder times have made me so much stronger than the person I may have been without.

I know that it’s sometimes harder to see the light in those dark times, but believe me.. it’s there!

Keep smiling!
xxx