So yeah! I think the last time I posted was over a year ago at this point.
I was at work today and I decided I should come back and say hey to everyone. So, hey :)
More importantly though, I really want to thank you all. I don't know where I'd be today if I never posted on this site. I still remember how I felt when I got my first response on my first post (which was a typical "PLEASE TELL ME IF I'M TRANS OR NOT" post :P). I feel so nostalgic thinking back to that time in my life. It's hard to believe that it's almost three years since then... For real though, I owe my happiness to all of owe and your support. Even if the first people I ever talked to aren't on here, or don't read this, that's okay. Cause I want to thank the people who are just starting to post, or just making their account, or still lurking. Knowing that I'm not alone is a wonderful feeling, and I implore anyone reading this who feels that they may be trans in any way to really tap into those feelings and express them here. Cause this is a wonderful community and a great place to start.
As an update: I've been on estrogen for just over a year now and it's amazing. I look in the mirror and I can't believe what I see, and my sense of self is so much healthier now. I've got some other mental health issues going on. I had a psychotic lapse about 10 months ago and I've got OCD, so I haven't returned to university since last fall. But that's okay. I've got the transition down, so now I can focus on my issues. Since last posting I've started smoking, but after several events and talks with friends and loved ones I've decided that now is the time to quit. So I'm kicking that habit. I also am planning on becoming a vegetarian. In fact today is the day I plan on starting that. (I'm getting away from cigs and going vegetarian cold turkey).
Honestly though I think all of this is important. Cause transitioning won't solve everything. You'll still get really depressive nights, and you're still going to have the problems which you currently think you need to work on (i.e. inactive lifestyle, self harm, binge eating, unhealthy relationships etc etc.) So to any people reading this who are just starting to come to terms with their gender identity, go at life one step at a time. You might find that beginning to come in tune with yourself will make all other challenges easier. I definitely believe this has been the case with me.
And hey, I'm getting my name changed in just three days! I'm going with a full "Jennifer". :)
Also, I've got a job at a fast food place. Everyone is very supportive generally. There have been a few instances where people have asked uncomfortable questions, but I try to look at those moments as opportunities to educate.
And gosh. Let me tell you. Hearing people say "Jen" and "she" and "her"... I just don't think it'll ever get old. I could cry :') (yep, I get those emotional side effects from e :P)
Here's a before and after shot, the me on the right is a month ago, one year exactly after starting estrogen:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FJlc2hDS.jpg&hash=d2102a9138c5d1b3a59dcce8406fb8e07ceb1543)
And here's a picture to show off the girls:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F6mf34Pf.jpg&hash=24a5ef5429f0d26147562fd7b05ae35fed2fa6a0)
Once again, thank you all. <3
rutabaga , spinach and carrots you can't go wrong.
Quote from: stephaniec on September 14, 2015, 01:07:21 AM
rutabaga , spinach and carrots you can't go wrong.
Thank you so much!
Definitely kick the smoking habit. Just gross stuff there. And costs more than transition drugs! I'd say good luck on the Vegetarian diet. Wow, that's an undertaking. I could never give up meat. It's what I used to reward myself when quit smoking. A steak a week... I hope things calm down some for you and you're able to finish at the University. It sounds like you're doing wonderfully though. Congratulations Jennifer!
Well congratulations :)
Concerning vegetarian you could have a look here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,190328.msg1695279.html#msg1695279
hugs