How people can affect you.

[azSam]

It always amazes me how much people affect you, be it directly or indirectly. Even in ways we don't recognize or fully understand. But luckily for me, I was able to identify a key change in my outlook, a change that was directly affected by someone, and I feel like sharing it with you all.

How has someone drastically affected you, or your thoughts for the long term?
My story is below. Feel free to discuss it, or share your own story.

I've come to terms and been out for about 18 months now. Throughout that period I've had plenty of time to sort things out. I came to terms with the reality that I need to win the lottery, because I may never be able to save up for my surgery.

This made me sad at first, realizing that I may never be able to afford my SRS; but I coped. I came to terms with the idea that I may be stuck with this unwanted ball of flesh for the rest of my life. Now it's been a very long time since I came to terms with that reality, and it didn't really bother me much anymore.

I recently met someone a few months back. Dare I say it, we've fallen in love. He was under the impression I was a regular girl, I came out to him, he loves even more. He hates that "thing" down there just as much as I do, but loves me all the same.

Now I find myself wanting the surgery even more than ever. I have someone that I love, whom I want to be perfect for. I want us to enjoy each other without the presence of the "unwanted guest".

Before I met him, I also realized the sad reality that there are not quite that many people out there for girls like me, and that I might live my life alone. Meeting him has brought a new light to my life and he has changed me. He has given me a new hope that I once lost. He has directly affected me in such a way that inspires me and helps motivate me forward, and not to let myself get "stuck" just because I think something may be impossible.

[spacial]

Samantha,

Obviously, I don't know your personal financial situation, but may I suggest you make a plan.

You will need to writ down what you realisticaly need.

Then set yourself objectives to achieve it.

Try to avoid setting time limits, what you need to be concentrating on are all those things you need to pay for along the way. The look at your sources of income,

I realise it may sound a long process, and itwill be. But by setting yourself objectives and goals, you can deal with each stage, also taking care of othr needs along the way.

Believe me, it works.

[niamh]

I am sorry that you feel that you may never be able to have SRS. However, it is great that you have a partner that accepts you. I also understand how you don't want to lose him and so have even more reason to want SRS. I don't have any pearls of wisdom to give you. Only know that I deeply sympathise with your situation.