Cindy we can always become part of the problem, part of the solution, or part of the precipitate. I trust your chemistry and your humanity.
I believe Susan's isn't just about transition. I had already transitioned fully when I joined. Community and connection, and the opportunity to contribute to the well being of others is why I came and stayed.
I am saddened that I have repeatedly witnessed wounded helpers and vulnerable volunteers give in to stress, past trauma / triggers, substance issues, and mental illness flareups, and turn on each other causing lasting wounds. I don't end friendships because my friends get hurt and hurt one another. I do and have called them on it, the ones who I am close enough to that I can make a difference. I trust that loving big sisters like you will take care of the ones who don't open up to me.
Eventually my support for suffering souls and my empathetic words will be misunderstood by someone with authority who has been wounded too deeply to trust any more and I will be out on my ear then. Until that day I will keep befriending and trying to encourage trans and queer people through this site, and for the rest of my life to anyone that I can.
I can mediate and I can heal, but I am too sensitive an empath to be able to spend the hours you do.
If you ask me, there should be a regular program of planned as well as unplanned sabatticals for staff, to remove the stigma for those who need to take indefinitely long breaks for self care or personal development. You shouldn't have to break and feel like a failure to take a week a month or a year off. Burn out is real.
Love you, you tough, brash, vulnerable, softspoken woman of fire and steel.
