Please remind me that it is worth it!

[Laurie]

I do want to single out Laurie; they are only size 6 or mediums, not truly big girl panties.

Anne

  Sure sure It seems I'm always getting singled out. Thank you 

For the record... It's not the size of the panties on the girl, It's the courage of the girl in the panties.

  And dang it you best be calling on us when you need a bit of support. That's what we're here for and besides, I know where you live if you don't.

Hugs to you and Debi
  Laurie

[Denni]

Tia Ann
I wish there was something that I could say to you that could make all of the doubts and worries you are experiencing disappear but unfortunately we both know that is not a possibility. I am confident that part of what you are experiencing is pre surgery jitters which is common for anyone approaching surgery minor or major. Complicate those feelings with dealing with GCS and it is understandable to feel the way you do. We can only offer our thoughts, suggestions, and prayers for you as you approach surgery, to try and help you lessen those doubts and anxiety. I am not in a position to be able to have GCS so I am not going to try and offer what others who have had the surgery or approaching it can. What I do know is this, no matter whether we are simply transgender non/HRT, transgender with HRT being part of who we are, or approaching GCS we have to be comfortable with who we are. My thoughts and prayers are with you and hope only for the best for you. Hugs
Denni

[HappyMoni]

Okay Anne, you can't read the post before this one and not feel better. You are not made of granite woman, you got to feel the love headed your way.  You better smile or me and Laurie will take a road trip and come tickle you til you do.
Love to you my good friend,
Monica
Laurie, it might help if you stop talking about her panties.

[Anne Blake]

OK Moni girl, I give up! Yes I do feel loved. The responses from all have been so encouraging. But I do call you out to get Laurie to drive you out for a visit soon. You should stop and pick up Denni along the way.

Love you all,
Anne

[HappyMoni]

I love that idea! ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mandy M]

Okay I think it's important to be honest with ourselves. A highly experienced psychotherapist I know, who is herself trans, said to me that there are a lot of very unhappy trans people. I pass that on in good faith and love because I believe it's important we are honest.

Transitioning may not be the panacea to happiness that some in this world hope it will be. For a lot of us there may be other issues going on beneath the surface which we would be as well to address, especially before taking drastic and irreversible action. This statement may not be popular but it's important.

Much love as you find your truth.

[rmaddy]

A highly experienced psychotherapist I know, who is herself trans, said to me that there are a lot of very unhappy trans people.

My experience too.  This is not a moral judgment.  I think there are certain personality types that are at higher risk for gender dysphoria.  Most of the trans people I know are observably above average in intelligence (often highly intelligent) and tend to be rather analytical sorts.  Additionally, societal pressures to fit into the box we were assigned can be overwhelming at times. 

[Anne Blake]

Mandy & Maddy,

I thank you for your well advised words of caution, I do take them to heart. I also recognize that each of our lives, mine in particular (my self focus is as extreme as most), are not effected by only a single issue. I of course am currently absorbed by my transitional journey but I also see so many issues left untreated or dealt with, finding out what I want to do when I grow up, would be a major one. The key word there is do rather than be. What i want to be is a complete (in my eyes only) a transgender woman as i can be. At my age and place in life I would much prefer to address my continued growth as fully a woman as I can be. Gcs is an irreversible step, but for me, I am confident that it is the correct step. As always, ymmv.

Thank you again for your appropriate words of caution,
Anne

[HappyMoni]

Anne,
   It is so good to see you more at peace. I do think people on this site people are mindful that every trans person has a solution that fits best for them. Finding it is often very tough. I don't know about the intelligence level, but it does make sense that being trans is a real challenge and causes one to exercise a good bit of introspection. It certainly throws a wrinkle into anyone plans for a nice, neat, cut and dried life. Caitlyn Jenner is a perfect example of someone who had the world by the tail, except for this wrinkle. It brought her to places of thought that otherwise would not have happened. Anne, I think this definitely made your life make a sudden turn. You (and Deb too), being more of a short timer than me, have adjusted amazingly. As you and I have become friends, and I say this where everyone can read it, I have only grown in my respect for you. I am extremely proud of you. Love you!
Monica

[Anne Blake]

There you go Moni girl, you have made me cry again! I just love this kind of cry, thank you my friend.

Anne

[HappyMoni]