Hi Kelly, I came out last November 2018 and was 54 at the time. I have worn my mom's clothes and undergarments, shaved my legs and elsewhere (yes ... there), have always felt more comfortable around women, I have always thought more like a woman and woke up on November 12, 2018, and decided enough was enough. Accept yourself as your true self.
Mental illness, general anxiety and depression, have followed me my entire adult life. Therapy and medication have and do help. Accepting I am transgender was the most important step and now I feel fabulous. My bad behaviours to manage the stress and depression have disappeared.
Today, I live 98% of the time as a woman. Why 98%? Well, my 20y and 15y children are part of the journey for me as well and I have decided, at my son's request, to dress male in front of my son for now so he can become accustomed to the real me. I dress as me, Zoe, when with my daughter.
What is important is to accept who you are, celebrate you, and look after you, because there is one truth in life ... the only person who will be with you for every step of your life is YOU and you better like that person!
There is a downside for me ... I am separated from my wife of 21 years. Now, our marriage wasn't on solid ground to begin with but it is not easy to manage. If you have a strong and loving relationship, hopefully your family will accept you as YOU and begin the journey of understanding along with you.
There is one thing I have learned in the last 4 months: my fears about how people will respond are far worse than what really happens. Find the courage, take the necessary step, reach out and all will be well.
Good luck with the transition. Take it slow.
Hugs Zoe