On the 1st Sept 2014 I resolved to finally face the thoughts, feelings and needs that had always and we're increasingly tearing me apart and threatening my continued existence.

The last 4 years have been a physical and emotional journey that perhaps only other trans* people can relate to.

Someone on this site once described transition as going through a long tunnel. You pass into the dark and unknown, after a while you lose sight of the light you came from, while still unable to see an exit. Faith and support from others drives us on until we catch a glimpse of fresh light ahead.

I'm not out of that tunnel yet, but the light ahead has been clear and getting closer for some time.

Are we the same person we start this journey as? I'd say no. I've met people and been exposed to views that were very foreign to me. My values and priorities have changed, as has my willingness to leap into the unknown and trust my instincts.

My ability to feel emotions and my reactions to them are all new; requiring some real and hard lessons to master, and that's a work in progress!

Many of us pause parts of our lives to focus our energies on getting through that tunnel, and I certainly did. Career and romance certainly got sidelined for some time, but I find myself with the energy, focus and desire to pick these up and move my life forward again.

The biggest price I paid for this process was the loss of my marriage, but I've be incredibly lucky to have found another truly special and unique person to share the road ahead with.

My own journey was never about denying or forgetting the past, I treasure it greatly. Rather I'm moving forward with a new life that integrates who I was with who I am.

Bring it on, life and love [emoji4]. X



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@Megan.
Dear Megan:
Thank for sharing your detailed update describing your ups and downs that you have experienced in your journey.

Please know that what you have described is similar to the stories that most transitioners can attest to in their own journeys.

Hang in there girl, as you stated you are now starting to get out of the "long tunnel" ... more exciting times are ahead for you.... we will all be following your continued journey with great interest.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Megan, That's an inspiring post. It is awesome that you are making it work. I hope that light gets brighter for you every day.

Danielle, I hope my OP didn't come across as negative. I'm in a good place, my destination (as much as there ever is one) is coming nearer, and I'm confident I'll get there.

I think I've probably followed the 'typical' the transition journey for the most part, and having the examples of others who've gone before available here has been invaluable.

My life will be moving into another phase soon as transition finally takes a back seat. X

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Hi Megan!

I agree that it is very valuable to connect with others who have been down this road before; it is, I think, a rather unique experience. I feel very grateful to every single queer and trans person who came before me whose struggles have helped make my transition that much easier and more accepted. The road is still rough, but there has been so much progress!

Side note, how do you set a profile picture? Is that a donor perk?

Hazel

Hi Hazel!  Welcome [emoji4].

Profile pictures and the ability to PM come after a few (15?) posts. One of the official meeters 'n greeters may drop by this thread shortly to welcome you and provide some guidance on using the forum.

I've tried and continue to share my own experiences for the very reason that they may be of help to others and make that road a little easier (maybe even fun) to travel.

There is an Introductions thread where you can share a little more about yourself if you'd like to. Otherwise just jump in and I'll see you round.

Megan. X

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Quote from: I_Am_Hazel on August 15, 2018, 10:31:54 AM
Hi Megan!

I agree that it is very valuable to connect with others who have been down this road before; it is, I think, a rather unique experience. I feel very grateful to every single queer and trans person who came before me whose struggles have helped make my transition that much easier and more accepted. The road is still rough, but there has been so much progress!

Side note, how do you set a profile picture? Is that a donor perk?

Hazel

@I_Am_Hazel 
Dear Hazel   .
Please know that I am not trying to hijack this thread started by @Megan.   

BUT first things first.......
I am glad that you have become a member of Susan's Place and that you have shared your posting with other members here on the Forums.
I am thinking that you may lots more questions and concerns, this is the right place for you to be to find out what others have done that may have been in your circumstances.
 
Be aware that there are a lot of members here that can identify with your situation..

Please allow me to warmly WELCOME you to Susan's Place. 
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others  and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes.
It is nice that you had signed up so you can share with others and involve yourself with some give and take with other like-minded members.
When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here if you wish and receive support from others and offer support to others. ....

***It's a very good chance that you might find that you will make some new friends here. 

Please come in and continue to be involved at your own pace. 
I have included Important LINKS that will tell you about Susan's Place.  Included there is information about the site that will help you navigate around and best utilize the features here.   
Please look closely at the LINKS in RED, answers are there to many questions that new members ask.... including the answer to your question about putting up a profile/avatar picture....  (your need to post 15 times to get that privilege)

Again, Welcome to Susan's Place.
Danielle

Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that all new members should be familiar with:

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

@I_Am_Hazel
Oh, and another thing Hazel,

Please find your way to the Introductions Forum to let other members know of your arrival here on Susan's Place.

Thank you again for joining in on the Susan's Place forums.
Hugs,
Danielle

**** Now let us all return to the original subject of the thread
posted by our beautiful member @Megan.

Thank you Megan and Danielle for the warm welcome! Apologies to Megan, I had no intention to hijack this thread either. I will certainly check out those links to orient myself here. It seems like a great place and I look forward to meeting more people

Quote from: Megan. on August 15, 2018, 10:19:25 AM
Danielle, I hope my OP didn't come across as negative. I'm in a good place, my destination (as much as there ever is one) is coming nearer, and I'm confident I'll get there.

I think I've probably followed the 'typical' the transition journey for the most part, and having the examples of others who've gone before available here has been invaluable.

My life will be moving into another phase soon as transition finally takes a back seat. X

Sent from my MI 5s using Tapatalk

@Megan.
Dear Megan:
No worries....   positives and negatives are a normal occurance in any of our lives. 
Yes, indeed, I agree with you about what you had described can be typical of many transitioners.

I will be eagerly following your thread and your postings around the forums and checking on you frequently.

Thanks for sharing,
Hugs, and well wishes,
Danielle

Hazel, no apology needed for the hijack! 😊