Fear Stays, But We Step Forward Anyway. Mark's Reflections on Stuttering
What does it mean to thrive with stuttering? Mark Friedlich doesn't sugar-coat the reality, nor does he surrender to it. His words are a clarion call for people who stutter and beyond.
Several years ago, Mark first spoke these words in front of an audience at the National Stuttering Association. What comes through is both comfort and courage. Recently, Mark re-shared his message in a private message to me and encouraged me to share it broadly.
“The fear remains. Always. But it no longer decides where we go.”
Fear stays. It changes but does not leave.
We face it daily. Some mornings it weighs heavier than others. The thing that causes dread—a telephone, a podium, a crowded room—sits patient, knowing. But we step forward anyway. Again and again. Not because the fear vanishes, but because we learn to carry it; even embrace it.
Like grief, it cannot be erased. Only carried differently as the years pass. The weight remains, but the shoulders grow stronger.
Those who love us see not the pauses but the persistence. Colleagues value not smooth words but true ones.
The fear becomes like an old injury. It aches before storms but no longer prevents the journey.
We step into uncomfortable spaces now without waiting for courage. We have learned that courage comes in the stepping.
The fear remains. Always. But it no longer decides where we go.
*Shared by Mark Friedlich, ESQ, CPA
“Like grief, it cannot be erased. Only carried differently as the years pass. The weight remains, but the shoulders grow stronger.”
Mark Friedlich, ESQ, CPA - VP, US Government Affairs, Wolters Kluwer Tax, Accounting & Audit.
Finding Your Path Forward
Mark's powerful reflection resonates with many people who stutter - and the rest of us as well! What prompted him to share his reflections again now? He saw a letter from a fellow traveler. Click here to see our post on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Mark reminds us, the journey isn't about eliminating fear or achieving perfect fluency—it's about developing a relationship with our challenges that allows for growth, connection, and authenticity.
At Schneider Speech, we believe in approaching stuttering - and all forms of adversity - with this blend of empowerment and acceptance. We are on a mission to support the lives of individuals across the lifespan, from 2-99yo and stories like Mark's amplify the universal rally call and relevance for all of humanity.
Do you have a personal reflection about your journey with stuttering that you'd like to share?
Contact us—we'd love to hear your story.
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