Your body is a big part of the mark you will make in the world.
First of all, you have to have a body to be alive. That makes it pretty important
And, if you want to be an NBA basketball star, chances are that your body needs to be over 6 foot tall. (However, there are a few players under this height! You just have to be able to jump and shoot the ball well.)
If you want to become a singer, you need to be able to use your voice to sing.
And if you want to be a parent, you need a heart for love. That’s right—your body is important. Most of all, your heart. The genitals and sex organs can help some people have children through their own bodies. Other people (like some of us with differences of sex development (DSD)) may not be able to help make a baby with our bodies—instead, babies and children can come through other routes like adoption and surrogacy. There are many beautiful ways to become a parent.
But, of course, it’s okay to be sad that you may not have a baby with your body, or may not become an NBA all-star, or become the next winner of “The Voice.” But that doesn’t mean you can’t be a mom or dad, a fantastic basketball player, or a beautiful singer.
In the end, any of us could focus for the rest of our lives on what we don’t have or what we can’t do. And, it would make us sad and full of worries. So, focus your heart and mind on all the amazing possibilities you and your body has for love, fulfillment, and growing.
If you find it hard to focus on the positives, maybe talk to someone you trust (like a close friend or a psychologist) to let them know how you are feeling. It helps to have someone to share your thoughts and difficulties with. And, in the process, it can feel really great to get things off of your chest and things you need to see the positive of you and your body.