saying it out loud for the first time

[Claire (formerly Magdalena)]

In the morning I'm planning on telling my therapist. She'll be the first person outside of this family that will know. I'm so nervous about, but I'm sure I can do it. Or I'm sure I can't live with not doing it, which would be more accurate. So, uhm... I'm just fishing for support and good will... 

[Jessica Merriman]

You have all the support I can give little sis. I know you will do good and feel so much better afterward. I am proud of you for taking this very monumental step in your happier future. BIG HUGS!!! 

[Tanya W]

It is support you want and support you will get, Magdalena.

Very best as you take this brave and momentous step. I am here as your sister, holding you close in my heart and wishing you all the strength and clarity you need as you walk into that office. You are an inspiration - and I suspect I am not alone in feeling this way.

If it seems right to you - and only if - I would love to know how it all unfolds... 

[justpat]

  Go for it girl! You will feel better and get the ball started rolling. Your info is coming be patient should be in by Friday.  Pat

[Cindy]

I remember telling my sister in law. I was dressed like a clown in a wig in a retrospect.

She kissed me and said, Sis I've known for years.

So does your therapist.

Just be calm.

[ambiguousinlife]

I hope it goes well.

*hug*

[Kaylee]

Good luck Mags, fingers crossed everything will fine, and remember - it gets much easier after your time (that was not meant to sound rude!!)

[KabitTarah]

Good luck! Therapists are great - they're non-judgemental and can't tell anyone anything you say (unless you're going to hurt yourself or others).

The very first time is indeed hard.  Choosing a therapist as your first listener is a sure thing though.  They are trained to have appropriate responses, and are very much used to hearing all manner of disclosures, confessions, what have you.

The first few people I ever told, my heart was pounding, my voice caught in my throat, I fidgeted and squirmed.  After those first few times, I got to the point where I was sometimes tempted to shout it from the rooftops, or walk down the street with a bullhorn.  It is such a great feeling, to say it, get it off your chest and out in the open.  The relief is astounding.  You'll be fine, just screw your courage to the sticking place and follow through.

I'm the same way. Oddly enough - the people it's hardest to tell now are the people who already know (not that I'm telling others right now... but I'd LOVE to). It's hard to say to my family still - though I can talk about it and around it - because emotions are still high. I'm not afraid of saying it - I'm afraid of causing them additional distress by saying it. (Now it sounds stupid saying that here).

[Claire (formerly Magdalena)]

Yay! It went so well! I'm pretty sure she never saw it coming, but she was totally comfortable. I was surprised (although I shouldn't have been) at just how much she knew about transitioning and just how much support the VA has for the process. I got a lot of good information about some local support groups and she said she'd look up more. It was amazing!

I have an appointment with my GP on Friday morning to talk about starting HRT. I doubt I'll walk out with a script that day, but it'll be another step forward. 

I talked about my GID out loud and the world didn't end. Wheeeeeee!

I guess family and friends are next...

Thanks so much for your support. I couldn't have done this without you all cheering me on.

love,
-maggie



PS Kaylee, not to sound rude back at you, but I hope so. 

[Robin Mack]

Hallelujah!

Congratulations... I'm thrilled for you.  And you're right about the next step, at least in my opinion.  I know some people have begun their transitions in earnest (even months of HRT) without informing their family and friends, but from what I have seen it generally causes more hurt.

Having recently come out to my immediate family and my mother, I can honestly say I sleep better at night now, and feel a lot less conflicted.

Huge hugs... and a happy dance!!!  (think Snoopy)

[Tanya W]

Congratulations, Maggie. And thanks for the update. Inspirational!

[Jessica Merriman]

Go girl!!! So proud of you. Sure glad the world did not end, I just payed my Jeep off! 

[bethany]

Congratulations Maggie, Your journey has begun, and with each step you take the next one will be easier.

[ambiguousinlife]

congrats!

you get an extra *hug*

[Megumi]

Congrats! big hugs

[Jill F]

Awesome, Maggie.  You just blasted through another huge barrier!

*hug*

[~Kaiden]

Congrats, Maggie!!!!!!   I knew you could do it!!!  Doesn't it feel wonderful to finally say it out loud??  I feel light as a feather after getting it off my chest.  YEAAAHHHYYYYY!!!! *happy dances some more and throws confetti and chocolate at you*

I'm proud of you, sister!  You're on the road to greatness!!   *HUGS!!*