Awhile back I read someone's comment which stated "Don't think completing transition will make you a different person. You will still be the same person inside as you are now."

It made sense to me before, but now I find it interesting that since I made the decision to transition, my internal problems with guilt, confusion and turmoil are being replaced with primarily external problems.  This is good! I'm happier and more relaxed now then I have ever been before. My depression has lifted and every day is new day. Other people are beginning to notice this shift in me as well. I recently got a compliment from a relative (who doesn't know about Dora yet) saying that he has never seen me smile so much. I suspect as time goes on I will be able to build on this new-found internal strength. At least I hope so!

Dora
 

Hi Dora,

It sounds like 'the you inside' is really starting to shine.
I hope you find the life of happiness that you have always deserved. 

A beautiful soul can only be hidden for so long.

Dora
Congrats sounds like you are starting to live life to its fullest   
I do hope that all goes well when that relitive see the real you and can except you for who you are
such a small step can be such a big leap
again congrats are in order
Kristin

A friend of mine said that she had the same reaction when she began transitioning a few months ago. Her many, many year battle with bipolar was soundly won, people are constantly commenting about how she finally came out of her shell, and so on.

I myself suddenly became super social and I get a hell of a lot more random hugs and acquaintances since I started making changes in myself.

When I told my mother about my issues, she told me that if I became a woman I would lose my personality because women don't ever get to express their opinions and I couldn't be myself.

There is a lot to be said for becoming who you are.

Since I've accepted myself, my bipolar mood swings have been less severe and I'm constantly told that I'm "glowing".  Yes, I'm still the same person, but all the weight and pain of the shell I kept myself in for so long has been lifted.  Certainly any sort of self acceptance is enlightening.

Quote from: NickSister on February 27, 2008, 02:38:00 PM
It sounds like 'the you inside' is really starting to shine.

So simple and logical I didn't see that side of it. Thank you for responding.

Quote from: Autumn on February 27, 2008, 10:08:04 PM
Her many, many year battle with bipolar was soundly won, people are constantly commenting about how she finally came out of her shell, and so on.

I too am bi-polar (II). I find it interesting that on many occasions I have found the words transgender and bi-polar in the same sentence.

Quote from: Autumn on February 27, 2008, 10:08:04 PM
I myself suddenly became super social and I get a hell of a lot more random hugs and acquaintances since I started making changes in myself.

Same here. I now always talk to the cashier or sales people or just whomever I happen to meet. Something I would not do not so long ago. 

I blame it all on the estrogen! LOL

Dora

I've found too that emotions I haven't had access to for years I can now feel again.  God it feels good to be able to cry when I need to.

I've had a problem with crying ever since the third grade when I had to learn "Puff the Magic Dragon."  I could never sing it without crying, which wasn't good back then if you're a boy.

I still have a problem with it, despite Peter, Paul and Mary adding a happy ending to it.

It is definitely not an estrogen thing with me.  I'd say that it was more empathy and seeing the whole picture.  (Poor Puff, left without a friend...)

It has gotten worse over the years, bad enough that I have problems watching some movies and reading parts of some books.  Even some of the happy endings can send me on a crying jag.

In some situations, when doing recreational creative writing, I can set myself off.  It makes for interesting writing, since I tend to do first drafts long hand, on a clipboard.

(I'm tearing up right now, just before I have to pack up and head home on the bus.  SIGH.)