Why do I come and go from the Forum discussions?

[warlockmaker]

I've been on this forum for around 15 months and in that time I can see certain people are very active for certain periods and then their activity slows down and the cycle continues.
I can only answer for myself but my activity increases when I'm experience new emotions or physical changes from HRT and need confirmation from my peers that all is within norms. I speak with a therapist bi-weekly but the forum further confirms that all is normal and ok.
Now, over a year on HRT I am feeling some mental changes and behavioral changes. I used to believe as a cis male that being female would be a learned process; I'm finding that so much of the changes are natural and subtle,  and I feel the male side fading from my memory and a new female emerging. It's daunting and yet exciting at the same time. With these changes I'm move active in the forums but as the changes become familiar then less and the cycle continues.  When do we stop? I guess for most it's when we fully accept that we are females. I say this because I don't see them at the Forum.

[Miyuki]

I recently took a nearly six month break, due to having a period of depression caused issues with my family and just in general not very much progress being made. Not thinking about being transgender just made things easier for a while, because thinking about it only reminded me how depressed I was that my transition wasn't going anywhere. Now that I'm finally on full dose HRT I've been feeling a lot better, and I've been posting again even though I originally wasn't originally going to. My plan was to just make a quick update post and get back to work putting my life together, but... I dunno, I guess I missed this place too much to give it up again so soon.

[Ltl89]

I guess everyone is different.  I've lurked on susan's way before joining and now I've been active for quite some time.  While I'm sure it will die down to some extent with life and while transitioning becomes more of a background thing for me, I don't see myself ever really leaving.  I think about all the people who are just starting out or just finding themselves.  Believe it or not, we all do a lot of good by just simply posting.  That helped me and still does, so I imagine it will help many more in the future.  So I suspect I will be here in the future more to support others rather than myself (right now it's a mix).  Quite frankly, I look forward of that.  I'm tired of being stuck in transition, lol.  Everyone's got to do what's best for them, but I do miss some people. 

[JamesG]

I'm just trying to catch up to LtL's post count. 

[mandonlym]

I think it's sad when people transition and leave the community, though I do have days when I want to take a break too. There are certain threads that dredge up tough memories and weird socialization issues, etc. I initially came on this forum mostly to look up medical stuff but have found people to bounce ideas with and that's been really great.

[JulieBlair]

We come to Susan's feeling different and afraid.  Here we find esprit de corps, information, and even some wisdom.  I think it is a natural process to move from the ephemeral to the concrete, and from the anonymous to the real.  When I have what I need from here I do not come as often.  When I am unsure or worried about a friend I have made here, I am here a lot.  I also miss some of those who have left, they have so much more to teach me, and I think I have a responsibility to those coming down the pike.  IF LTL ever vanishes I will shed a tear because she gives so much so freely.  It is the same for others who post, and who have not only time, but who are also very thoughtful.

All this said, this is a resource that has helped me get through some very scary times, and without which I would have been lost more than once.  I hope I give back even a fraction of what I have been given.

Julie

[Ltl89]

I'm just trying to catch up to LtL's post count. 

Good luck with that. 

IF LTL ever vanishes I will shed a tear because she gives so much so freely. 

Aww, don't worry, I'm not going away anytime soon.  Unfortunately, I may have just made hundreds of other members cry by staying around, lol.   

[Miyuki]

I'm just trying to catch up to LtL's post count. 

Good luck with that. 

Give up now. Seriously, it's hopeless.

[fusstangtroy]

Myself just beginning my journey at 50 theirs so much to learn . My age does have few hurtles but life lessons learned to get here give me head up on younger ones .So to me i will hang around forever to help others and just being here is like a on going docs visits . Its easy to learn from others trial and test then to fall down by your self .If going stealth is your end result then that is ok too. Smile and friendly chat can make bad day do able .. Have great week AKA Sara