Baby Steps.... That's my advice
Looking forward to life as a transwoman is daunting. "Isn't there an easier way?"; we all asked ourselves at least once, or once a hour.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, followed by another, and another..... You made the first most important step, acknowledging the issue, and the second step, wanting to do something different.
Sure, posting on FaceBook is today's equivalent of shouting from the rooftop "I AM TRANS". Otherwise known as jumping into the deep end of the pool. If you don't know how to swim, better hope you are a quick learner or die trying. Not exactly my recommend way of tackling humongous problems.
Almost six years ago now when reached the point I had to do something about being trans, rather then the not doing I had been for the previous 40+ years, I was overwhelmed. Besides that I just had to relocate from living in the shadow of NYC to living in the shadow of an Appalachian mountain in rural WV 3 hours from any major city. Oh yeah, great time and place to "come out", even to myself.
One thing I knew for sure, I knew what Does Not work. Plenty of experience there. So this basic, shy, introvert, loner geek had to stretch herself far out of her comfort zone and try something different yet safe. A Baby Step. Something easy for us but ask any 1 y/o how easy walking is! Especially without a lot of hand-holding or other means of support.
Support, Hey! OK various trans sites are OK for basic info. I found Susan's to be great for real people with real problems and issues like my own. But sitting home alone feeling depressed sucks. Feeling depressed is a lot more fun around other people who felt depressed, maybe still are, over the same things you are. Especially if it isn't a bar. So I totally stretched myself and went in search of a trans support group, or perhaps some T friendly therapist. Eventually I found a "local" support group. Local being only 90 miles away.
I had given myself plenty of reasons to beat myself up. Plus in about 4 months time I packed on a good 30 pounds. I was a hair away from that 200 lb point I swore I would never be in again after having tipped the scales at 250 and dropped to 140-150. Funny, what got my ass motivated to do something about being trans, was the weight. There I was feeling bad about myself and the turn my life took, stuffing my face and thinking "Even if I wanted to I couldn't dress, nothing can possibly fit me now". (Cue the lightning bolt of enlightenment) The very idea that I am denying myself that shocked me, that I didn't even have my trusty ole feel good fallback.
I took Baby Steps. In time I was comfortable enough about being what I am to step outside in the daylight once again as Joanne. Something I hadn't don't in over 30 years. Unlike 30 years earlier there wasn't the "Some guy in a dress" feeling. It was ME, the real and totally genuine me.
I may be far from finished. I may where I am supposed to be. I still live and present as male. Still wish to have been born female. Still dream of a day that perhaps all the pieces will fall into place and I can go for that 100% genuine life, presenting as Joanne and having it all. Today, 90% is great. Far better then negative 33% I was at.
I am still taking Baby Steps. Still sort of working a plan. I knocked off a lot of the low hanging fruit. Climbed up on a few branches that was pretty scary for more rewards. Still looking up at those even scarier branches for some more