Not understanding who I was almost cost my life, and I came within seconds of taking my family with me. I honestly do not know what stopped me. No one should ever reach a point in their life where they would consider something like that.
I don't see this as a blessing -- would you wish to bless this upon any of your friends? It is also too cruel of a punishment for any of my enemies.
We were born with bodies which did not match our minds. We tried to do what society expected of us even though we were not given the same tools as everyone else. Although we will have the unique gift of seeing the world from two different sets of eyes, for many of us this comes at a tremendous cost. If you did not feel trapped in the wrong body, is there anything so priceless for which you would gamble all of your friends and loved ones to gain?
We had to struggle all of our lives to become who we were meant to be, while everyone else had this 'blessing' handed to them at birth. It isn't a blessing or a curse, it is simply who we are. We are unique. Our understanding of life is different from everyone else's. If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, maybe we are from Earth. I am finally happy, and I have found peace. It would have been nice not to have had to fight so hard to reach this point in my life.
I love the refrain from 'I Am Woman' by Helen Reddy. Feel free to update the title and lyrics to match your gender:
Oh yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong
I am invincible
I am woman