So, last week my psychiatrist told me I need to go out in public more, because it will make me less anxious about how people Will react to me. So today, I did what she said I should do, and left my home in full-on Maddy mode. I have to say, she was absolutely right, I already feel much less stressed! I left my house, and walked 5, or 6 blocks to the library. On the way there, I ran into this girl, who was collecting birthday wishes for a little boy with cerebral palsy. Which went very well, I signed the card, and she didn't do anything one might interpret as rude. This gave me a newfound confidence, I felt overjoyed by how she reacted. By the time I got to the library, I wasn't going to let anything ruin it. For the most part, no one did anything to ruin it. Besides one guy who cracked a joke to his buddy, and one very confused looking stare. I didn't let that bother me, though, it went better than I expected. I even stopped by the ladies' room on my way out, which nobody batted an eye to. All in all, an awesome day, I made one very important step on my road to womanhood. Though I'm not ready to live full-time just yet, I plan to make more opportunities to myself out into the world. A pox on anyone who isn't open-minded enough to accept it. Anyway, just checking in, feel free to share some of your awesome moments with me!

Hugs,
Maddy

When I started out the more I went out the better it felt. It was about a year later that I was comfortable in my own skin. I'm out practically every day and enjoying life.

Thats great to hear.  The first breath of fresh air as your true self is the best medicine.  I remember the first time I came out in AZ (totally not passing but it went well anyway)  It was another trans women who helped me out and now its almost second nature.  I even drove my cj7 around topless, doorless and went through a little cesars drive threw in jamie mode.  The guy said with a smile "a little more work on the voice and I pass" Hugs :0)

I think my voice is probably about the only thing that really needs work. That girl seemed to think I was genfemale, until I opened my mouth. I've been working on my feminine voice for a couple weeks now, but I still have a long way to go.