is it really worth it?

[Catherine Sarah]

Don't be afraid of being scared. It's a very natural reaction to something you are not fully acquainted to. If used correctly (being scared) should elicit all aspects of the issue, to a point where you can make a fully informed and mature decision. At 23 you are old enough to make that decision. The last thing you need to do is either procrastinate and do nothing or live in denial. Both rob you of a perfect lifetime.
I wish you well at the therapist. Be safe, well and happy
Lotsa luv
Catherine
And P.S. YES!!!! It's really worth it. Every single bit of it. The good, the bad and the ugly. It's an awesome journey

[Nuno]

Even though I have yet to even start counseling (which I FINALLY worked up the courage to schedule yesterday!) at this point I think that it is really the only path that was ever meant for me. Yes, I'm also terrified of the costs, the possible losses, and everything else any sensible person would be before starting down such a life changing path.

BUT- I know what I want, and I know what I need to do for me to finally live a happy life. And it sounds like you have too. Just know that you will always have support here through the entire process. And if you can, find someone in your everyday life who you know will support you as well. I finally for the first time spilled my heart out to a friend and it was the most comforting and helpful thing I've ever done for myself aside from making the decision to finally move ahead.

I'm just about to turn 21 so I am seriously hoping that I take well to HRT.

At the end of the day you need to ask if you really want to live for yourself, or for the favorable opinion of others? I've lost myself so much over my life so far because of always bending back to the whims of what others think I should be as a person.

I wish you the best regardless of the path you eventually choose!

[SandraJane]

transitioning is hard. you can lose everything. and i am asking myself is it worth it?
i am scared to lose my family and friends. i am scared that i will be a figure of fun.

are you happy that you did it?

I was 23 when I first wanted to transition...I didn't. I'm older now and to me its no longer a choice, I don't want  to continue in the hell I've lived through and possibly taking my own life as much of a choice. What do you think people will make fun of? That's why there is makeup, voice therapy and FFS!

I would guess most of us were scared to lose family especially, but it is a possibility we all have to face, I didn't lose mine (I'm not married or have any children), they still love me, but it has happened to others. I've heard 2 different gals comment on what it takes to transition, Courage and the other Patience (also $$$'s ). I think a combination of both, and you can plan, its better to do so, but plans do have a habit of changing so keep that in mind. And if you have seen some others transition and didn't like what  you saw, ask yourself what you would differently. But we each have to transition in the manner that is best for us.

[lucaluca]

that scares me a lot. i don't want to be transsexual, but the feelings always come back.
maybe i could live my "normal" live, but i am not happy. and i don't want wait 20 more years, just to realize that the feelings never will go back and i regret that i haven't done something about it when i was younger.

[kelly_aus]

that scares me a lot. i don't want to be transsexual, but the feelings always come back.
maybe i could live my "normal" live, but i am not happy. and i don't want wait 20 more years, just to realize that the feelings never will go back and i regret that i haven't done something about it when i was younger.

You don't have a 'normal' life, at least not now. It's a mask, a façade and the longer you try and hide behind it, the harder life becomes. The genie is out of the bottle and can't be put back in, do something about it now, lest you end up going down the road many of us do - it leads only to depression, self-destructive behaviour and possible suicide..

I'm sorry if this seems blunt, but I will do all I can to prevent someone ending up where I did before I accepted myself and moved on.. The rollercoaster of drugs, denial and dysphoria is not a ride you want to get on..

[MarinaM]

Consider this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrrhic_victory

Then consider this:
Freedom can only be won, freedom forced is called responsibility. - Toni Morrison

Lots of stuff to turn over.

[Alyssa91]

You only live once, so be as happy and honest with yourself as possible.

That's how I see it.

[inna]

I though I was in this world for others, at least thats what most of them made me feel, be a good boy............ Robert!   Do you love me,....................Robert!    be a good father.............. Robert    Be a successful at what you do............. Robert

But seldom did I hear   Who are you..................?        Do you truly love your self.................?


But when I had a taste of my most favorite ice cream ...........I was just plain happy, not for Mother, not for Father but for me.

We are conditioned, not consciously of course by the loved ones, church or society to do as they say because they really mean well. But to tell someone how to be is to undermine their own self, imprisoning their soul in gravity of others own need and view of the world.

BE YOUR SELF, first! then and only then can you expect love to penetrate you soul and spill through you onto the world. Being Gender Disphoric is to know who you are but unable to experience you and interact as you in the world. The only way to truly be is to succumb to truth in your heart. Not an easy task at hand but inevitable step towards happiness. And let me stress here, happiness is not a tangible piece of matter you can hold in your hand but condition comprising of truth and love intertwined together like a vine upon a lattice, both inseparable yet different.

Go for it babe, future is a wonder awaiting your arrival