Hi everyone.  I figured I'd introduce myself and tell my story.

I'm Sara...I'm in my late thirties, married with children, just starting my transition.  I've always felt in the wrong body but it wasn't until Sept, that my real confusion began.  So I sought out a therapist. 

That first time when the therapist said nothing was wrong with me and referred me to a gender identity therapist lifted a lot off my shoulders.  After my first session with the new therapist, I finally felt that I had made a break through.  I've never had something hit me like it did after that session.  On my drive home I just broke down into tears.  At that moment I finally accepted what I am, everything finally came into focus.

I'm very detailed oriented, so I've spent a lot of time researching and planning out the baseline of my transition.  There are milestones and goals, and I do realize that no plan works 100%, but at least it shows me where my destination is (perhaps I'll take the scenic route or maybe drive through the city).

I tend to be a little shy, but I'm working through that, slowly. 

I'm really glad there are places like this, to help and even just vent.  I'd like to consider it one more link in my support chain.

Thanks

-S

I am also comforted by setting future plans and goals and making sure I make the right decisions about which order I choose to do things in, and which surgeries I would consider / or be able to afford.

It's exciting! Have you made any plans so far? Anything in particular that excites you in regards to your transition?

Hi Bubblegum

I'm actually excited/scared about it all.  I realize that this is a long process, and while I'd love to just "jump in the deep end", I want to make sure I do it right.  I'm particularly excited about starting hormones and finishing clearing facial hair.

I have a basic plan all the way out to 2019, but some much is up in the air that far out.  It could be longer or shorter, but it definitely gives me a lot of comfort knowing that I have a map.

Hi Sara welcome and wishing you well.  Sounds as though we are kindred planners as I used a Gantt chart to manage my transition at work and when the medical side kicks off I daresay the project plan will reemerge!!  The adage - Fail to plan is planning to fail - is not always true but it is reassuring to know where you are on a plan and whether the plan needs to be amended / updated. 

Many of my friends have commented that my shyness has disappeared since having the courage to find myself and I am more relaxed in company than I used to be...  Kirsty xx

Hi Sara 

Welcome to Susan's    Glad to have you here, join on in the fun

Here's a few quick links to help you along

Please be sure to review

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By	Standard Terms & Definitions	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)
Reputation rules	News posting & quoting guidelines	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy

Hugs

V M

Hi Sara and welcome to Susan's. Congratulations on starting HRT.

Hi & Wlecome!

Keep coming back!  It's a pretty good show!

hugz,
Joi

Hello and welcome Sara.Lynn!

There are many people here with experiences that you can ask questions of and will help you along.

It's good to have a plan and plans can always change as time passes as well. For me, I set steps that I had to achieve before I could advance to the next phase and looking back, they all seemed so long ago but in reality, less than 3 years.

I wish you luck with your transition and beast wishes for the future.

Love,
Clare

Thank you all for your kind words and great attitude, I really appreciate it.  This place really makes me feel like I'm not alone going through this.