Hi Dani,
It is quite a place to be, can't go back, don't know how to go forward. This place is both very scary and so exciting at the same time. I am twelve years ahead of you as far as age goes and I have only realized my gender disconnect of two and a half years. I have been living full time for nearly a year now and was half to three quarters out for closer to two years.
When I decided to go full time, effectively begin RLE, I had run into the wall of "I am a woman", and for me at that point I could no longer live pretending to be a man. To do this (transition) I needed to have several things set up and working; a strong support system consisting of my wife and several good friends that I knew had my back (and have proven it many times when things got tough), a strong spiritual faith, a good relationship with my gender therapist, a safe environment and community to live amongst. It also certainly helped to have good information resources available and friends to reach out to, Susan's and the members here are a key part of that for me. Some degree of financial security plays a role as well. Many here have a different needs list but this is what is getting me through. Your needs list will vary and I suggest that you locate a good gender therapist to help you map out your journey ahead.
By the way, while transitioning to my true self has had a high emotional cost and loss of many dear friends, I would not trade a bit of it for what I have gained. No way would I consider going back.
Best of luck with your transition.
