I thought about putting this in the "what made you happy" thread. I decided it should stand alone. It's the oddest thing that here I am creating another new topic in the same week that I shut myself out, but I digress.
I mentioned in my other topic about a rite of passage to Victoria's Secret with a work friend. I just got home from there and it was an very enjoyable outing. She is very upbeat and expressive and bouncy and, well, you get the idea. She had mentioned wanting to purchase something for me. I brushed it off, I can't allow that. She insisted while there and went right to the counter to pay for a few items. At some point you have to be gracious and accept or it becomes insult.
When we were outside the store and saying our goodbyes, she looked at me and said, "I have to tell you something. I have to tell you why I wanted to get you something". (I'm paraphrasing a bit, I have CRS). Not being able to say it her way, I'll be brief.
She told me that I inspired her. She said that when she first met me I was grumpy, sour, unfriendly. She didn't like me. Fast-forward a few years to last year when my light-bulb came on. As I worked out who I was and let her out it changed how I interacted with people, she noticed, she paid attention. When I first started dressing at work she was the first to compliment me and give me a hug and kiss. She treated me as a woman from day one with no hesitation. Always with a smile and wave, very friendly.
To continue, she said that I am an inspiration to her, I couldn't see how. She then told me that despite appearances she suffers from severe depression, bad enough to be hospitalized. She said that she got real bad and was Baker Acted (Florida law that allows for emergency, involuntary institutionalization). She then said that it all shifted when she thought of me and what I was going through and how I changed over time to the point that I am now. It inspired her to pull herself out of it and rejoin us.
She said that she had to do something to thank me for all the help and support that I gave her - all without me knowing that I was doing it.
I guess the moral is, no matter what you are going through you don't really know how you might touch someone else indirectly in a positive manner. Sometimes, like tonight for me, it comes around and surprises you.
Like I said, I had a very enjoyable evening.
And with that, it's bed time. G'night
Faith
ps.
I wish I were better at writing and expressing, this really deserved a good telling.
What a wonderful thing to read about.... Have a great night I'm sure your experience will inspire others as as well.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Great story! You never know who you might inspire with your actions!
Wow. What an amazing gift you gave her. Very inspiring. Thank you
Karen
@Faith Dear Faith:
When we tell our story, share our experiences, trade and share our thoughts with others, or even just give a friendly greeting and have a brief exchange of words with someone, even it with a stranger.... we just never know how our verbal interchange can affect someone, encouragement and inspiration for others can come as a positive result in all forms to meetings and conversations.
You have every right to feel like you should have an enjoyable evening and also to be encouraged yourself to continue as you have been doing.... it is certainly helpful and good to encourage others, it makes them feel good about themselves, but the gift goes both ways, you will also feel the blessing yourself.
Thank you Faith for sharing this wonderful report, and yes, have yourself a very enjoyable evening and I am trusting that you will have many more.
Hugs and well wishes, thank you for your posting.
Danielle <3
Clarence:
Your brother, Harry Bailey, broke through the ice and was drowned at the age of nine.
George:
That's a lie! Harry Bailey went to war! He got the Congressional Medal of Honor! He saved the lives of every man on that transport.
Clarence:
Every man on that transport died! Harry wasn't there to save them, because you weren't there to save Harry. You see, George, you've really had a wonderful life.
"It's a Wonderful Life" 1946
Such a great story! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! :)
Ryuichi
Quote from: Faith on August 30, 2018, 08:12:51 PM
I thought about putting this in the "what made you happy" thread. I decided it should stand alone. It's the oddest thing that here I am creating another new topic in the same week that I shut myself out, but I digress.
I mentioned in my other topic about a rite of passage to Victoria's Secret with a work friend. I just got home from there and it was an very enjoyable outing. She is very upbeat and expressive and bouncy and, well, you get the idea. She had mentioned wanting to purchase something for me. I brushed it off, I can't allow that. She insisted while there and went right to the counter to pay for a few items. At some point you have to be gracious and accept or it becomes insult.
When we were outside the store and saying our goodbyes, she looked at me and said, "I have to tell you something. I have to tell you why I wanted to get you something". (I'm paraphrasing a bit, I have CRS). Not being able to say it her way, I'll be brief.
She told me that I inspired her. She said that when she first met me I was grumpy, sour, unfriendly. She didn't like me. Fast-forward a few years to last year when my light-bulb came on. As I worked out who I was and let her out it changed how I interacted with people, she noticed, she paid attention. When I first started dressing at work she was the first to compliment me and give me a hug and kiss. She treated me as a woman from day one with no hesitation. Always with a smile and wave, very friendly.
To continue, she said that I am an inspiration to her, I couldn't see how. She then told me that despite appearances she suffers from severe depression, bad enough to be hospitalized. She said that she got real bad and was Baker Acted (Florida law that allows for emergency, involuntary institutionalization). She then said that it all shifted when she thought of me and what I was going through and how I changed over time to the point that I am now. It inspired her to pull herself out of it and rejoin us.
She said that she had to do something to thank me for all the help and support that I gave her - all without me knowing that I was doing it.
I guess the moral is, no matter what you are going through you don't really know how you might touch someone else indirectly in a positive manner. Sometimes, like tonight for me, it comes around and surprises you.
Like I said, I had a very enjoyable evening.
And with that, it's bed time. G'night
Faith
ps.
I wish I were better at writing and expressing, this really deserved a good telling.
Hello Faith,
I've been told this myself how 'inspirational' I am to others and how they can't believe the changes I've made. I still don't know how to take that. I don't feel inspirational. I just feel like... me. :)
Thanks for sharing this Faith
Hi Faith,
I read your story and thought about how often something like this happens to one of us. Your story, as wonderful as it is, is not unique in the annuals of those who struggle with some issue in their lives everyday. This time it was you that has helped someone else in their own personal struggle just by being you and having the determination to do what you need to do to survive. And Hun, it is wonderful. You are an inspiration.
Whether it is by sharing your struggles and triumphs here in the forums or just by your struggles being observed, as in this case, you have the ability to influence others. Good or bad we are touching someone else that may also be struggling and possibly, just possibly giving someone else the inspiration to keep working at overcoming their own difficulties. We never know who or how we might inspire others. But Faith, know that you, Lori and your stories do touch others. If nothing more it shows others they are not alone with what they struggle with.
Here's to hoping you get past your personal demons and see the help and inspiration you give others.
Hugs,
Laurie
Faith, I know that you were just being you, and doing what you felt you had to do when you came out at work and started presenting as yourself.
But, that act, of self acceptance and authenticity, was also an action that others could see was a difficult thing to do. There is resistance to us in this society, even if subtle, and your taking control over your own life, directing your destiny against such resistance is a demonstration of your human strength and your faith that is plain to others.
Many others do not beleive they have or can find that strength. When one of us sets out to live our authentic lives, the strength we find in ourselves and our faith is seen by and can inspire others to find their strength, hold their faith, and move forward against the challenges within their lives as well.
Each of our lives can serve as a shining beacon to others, even if we never intended it to be so.
Thank you for sharing your story. It is a great reminder how we impact everyone we meet every day.
Quote from: Faith on August 30, 2018, 08:12:51 PM
I thought about putting this in the "what made you happy" thread. I decided it should stand alone. It's the oddest thing that here I am creating another new topic in the same week that I shut myself out, but I digress.
I mentioned in my other topic about a rite of passage to Victoria's Secret with a work friend. I just got home from there and it was an very enjoyable outing. She is very upbeat and expressive and bouncy and, well, you get the idea. She had mentioned wanting to purchase something for me. I brushed it off, I can't allow that. She insisted while there and went right to the counter to pay for a few items. At some point you have to be gracious and accept or it becomes insult.
When we were outside the store and saying our goodbyes, she looked at me and said, "I have to tell you something. I have to tell you why I wanted to get you something". (I'm paraphrasing a bit, I have CRS). Not being able to say it her way, I'll be brief.
She told me that I inspired her. She said that when she first met me I was grumpy, sour, unfriendly. She didn't like me. Fast-forward a few years to last year when my light-bulb came on. As I worked out who I was and let her out it changed how I interacted with people, she noticed, she paid attention. When I first started dressing at work she was the first to compliment me and give me a hug and kiss. She treated me as a woman from day one with no hesitation. Always with a smile and wave, very friendly.
To continue, she said that I am an inspiration to her, I couldn't see how. She then told me that despite appearances she suffers from severe depression, bad enough to be hospitalized. She said that she got real bad and was Baker Acted (Florida law that allows for emergency, involuntary institutionalization). She then said that it all shifted when she thought of me and what I was going through and how I changed over time to the point that I am now. It inspired her to pull herself out of it and rejoin us.
She said that she had to do something to thank me for all the help and support that I gave her - all without me knowing that I was doing it.
I guess the moral is, no matter what you are going through you don't really know how you might touch someone else indirectly in a positive manner. Sometimes, like tonight for me, it comes around and surprises you.
Like I said, I had a very enjoyable evening.
And with that, it's bed time. G'night
Faith.
OMG! You must tattoo this story inside your eyelids so you always remember it! Then tattoo it on your forehead so you remind us all that we, too, can make a difference.
What a lovely inspirational story. Reading this made my day.
Quote from: Moonflower on November 29, 2018, 06:51:32 PM
OMG! You must tattoo this story inside your eyelids so you always remember it! Then tattoo it on your forehead so you remind us all that we, too, can make a difference.
Quote from: BlueStar on December 01, 2018, 06:23:59 AM
What a lovely inspirational story. Reading this made my day.
Yes, it was/is great. I never anticipated anything like it. Read about other people, sure. Me? no.
thank you for taking the time to read it and reply ...
Oh, Bluestar. I mentioned to a certain someone that you should post more. I was told under no uncertain terms to tell you myself. So, I'm telling you. I enjoy your postings, how you perceive and recount things. You need to post more.
my exact words (and the response):
QuoteQuoteI enjoy your comments on the forum even if I don't join in. Tell Beth to post more, don't be like me.
I need her to hear it directly from you. She hears it from me all the time.
there you have it, you don't have any choice now.
Great job Faith! Apparently your doing something right! I think many don't truly appreciate the responsibility each of us has when it comes to the impression(s) that cis people have toward "trans people" in general. I was never "officially out" at my former job (now retired) but found it was the unspoken, little events with co-workers that proved the most reaffirming and rewarding.
Once had a new young black girl who was angry, wouldn't speak a word to me for weeks because she thought I was "gay" until, finally explaining how I was "transgender with family" (wife and kids), we then became the best friends ever.
Having happily accepted the affectionate nickname of "ponytail" I think it's best when people can draw their own conclusions about "who we are"!
Faith, your story illustrates the value of just being ourselves out in public. You never know whose life you will have a positive effect on, just be being a good example.
You are lucky that someone you helped was able to thank you personally. I bet there are lots more who would thank you if they could.
Thanks Kiera.
Kathy, we must be on the same wavelength. I was thinking the same thing when my phone blinged the alert. Until she reached out to me, I didn't think anyone was paying me much attention at all (except the 'that's a guy' stuff). I'm so glad that I was wrong.
You never know what people perceive from you, for good or ill. Try to make it good. Or, don't try .. just be the best you possible :)
Quote from: Faith on December 01, 2018, 09:13:18 AM
You never know what people perceive from you, for good or ill. Try to make it good. Or, don't try .. just be the best you possible :)
Another great tattoo idea... How wonderful we are when we trust ourselves!
Faith!!!
I think you already know my thoughts!!! 😃👍
Hugs and Love,
Ashley 🙋♀️💕🌸
to borrow from you ... 😃👍
:D
Quote from: tgirlamg on December 01, 2018, 07:53:00 PM
Faith!!!
I think you already know my thoughts!!! 😃👍
Hugs and Love,
Ashley 🙋♀️💕🌸
That was a wonderful thing to read after all the not so great news in the media. Someone may have said this already, but its validation that we have every bit as much of a purpose and place in society as anyone else. Sometimes when I am down I need help remembering that! +1 for peeps you have helped!
Thanks for the uplifting post! I'm really glad you were able to have such an impression on your friend. I've also found in my every day life that others benefit, even it tiny ways, from my relaxing into my genuine self in any context.
Hugs.