I've learned a whole lot since I started my journey, but the main thing I've learned about is confidence and how significant it is. I think back to when I joined Susan's. I was immature, nervous and to be fair didn't have a clue what I was doing. 9 months down the line I feel I've matured, nowhere near as nervous as I used to be and know where I'm going with life. I'vegained confidence and to me tthat's been the key to the start of my transition. I was so afraid to come out of my shell and be myself, but now that I have I pass more than ever. It hasn't been an easy ride by any means and I'm not where I'd like to be, but I know I'm getting there and I have the confidence and belief that I can. That's something I've never had before. Instead of walking the street with my long hair, faking a smile and very angry and confused, I now hold my head up when I walk, my long hair is gone and I can look at my face in the mirror and truly smile. I look at myself and see me, not some foreign person detached from myself. With my confidence, I pass a lot more, and I truly believe it's because I am a lot more confident with who I am. I get my bad days like everyone does, and my mental health problems are still there, but they don't rule my life anymore. I'm much more than that. My recent college results made me realise that even though I got what is considered low grades, they were high grades for me and a big achievement. Never compare yourself to other people or try and be someone you're not. You have to do this for you. Even though you might not look how you want to, and might think that someone else looks amazing and you wish you looked like them, stop. Every single one of us are our own person, and our achievements are personal to us. Have confidence in yourself to be who you are. Confidence doesn't come overnight. You have to get through some battles to find it, but it is there, waiting for you. And I promise you, once you find it, you unlock a whole new experience.
