Hello

[maraesque]

Hi there, my name is Mara, and even just writing that makes me smile.

I'm a Scottish improv comedy teacher and performer who has struggled with anxiety/OCD for my entire adult life and not long after getting my OCD under control I realised that there was an even more significant issue that I had never addressed because I was so wrapped up in obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviours and endless worries.

So now I'm sitting here at 29 years old, waiting for my appointment at the gender clinic to come through (fingers crossed for March, more likely after May) and so pleased to find amazing resources like this on the internet. Without the millions of articles, blogs, YouTube videos, forums, Facebook posts and everything else, I would definitely be struggling more than I am. I still have so many (fundamentally basic) questions and things to find out about myself and who I am, and I so look forward to it.

I hope you all have lovely and joyous days!

Mara x

[Cindy]

Hello Mara and Welcome to Susan's!

I'm in a rather chilly South Australia but if you are in Scotland it must be even cooler

Where is Scotland are you? I was originally from Liverpool and loved climbing in Scotland many years ago, about 45 of them; I think I was one of the original take a tent and go and hide somewhere cold and hope I'd be cured people. Didn't work

Do explore all of the posts and ask any questions you wish. New members often ask some basic questions about the site which are in the following links ...

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

[Cure Bunny]

Hello Mara

It is nice to meet you.

There are so many helpful people that you can help you.


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[Jacqueline]

Welcome Mara,

Glad you joined. Please feel free to ask questions here. Even if they seem really simplistic. For many of us, this was our main resource.

I know it can be a challenge waiting but that is true where ever and when ever you are in the process. The main advice that you will see over and over. Don't be discouraged, positive attitudes help, your mileage may vary and it is not a sprint but a marathon.

I wish you love, acceptance and a smooth journey.

With warmth,

Joanna

[big kim]

Welcome from a Blackpool girl. Part Scot, Mum was from Buckie.

[V M]

Hi Mara 

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

Hugs

V M

[maraesque]

Thank you so much for your lovely welcomes!

Cindy: Thank you for the links, am reading over them now. I'm originally from the West coast, but now a proud Edinburgh resident.

Cure Bunny: Everyone seems so nice!

Joanna50: Thank you so much for your kind words. The few people I've come out to have been very good at reminding me of just that. Waiting is hard, but I know that I wouldn't be able to handle everything if it all happened immediately, so I'm grateful for the room to breathe, in a way.

big kim: I've never been to Buckie. My family used to holiday on various islands, but less so in coastal towns...

V M: Thank you for having me! I imagine I'll be slow in getting involved and then eventually get to the point where everyone is sick of me posting so much... 

[Dena]

V M: Thank you for having me! I imagine I'll be slow in getting involved and then eventually get to the point where everyone is sick of me posting so much... 

Welcome to Susan's Place. It takes a lot of posting to make them sick of you. My join date was May 24,2015 and my current posting average for the time I have been here is over 14 posts a day. Not only have I not been banned, they went and stuck this moderator badge on me. I currently have over 2000 posts in the moderator area so I am not so sure the badge was one of their better ideas.

In any case, let us know if you have any questions.

[April_Girl]

Welcome Mara, great forums with a wealth of information and really helpful people  which has helped me a great deal

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[maraesque]

Dena: Haha, my self-deprecation is something I'm still working on. I've seen you pop up on pretty much every thread I've read through, always offering support and helpful advice. No wonder noone minds you posting.

April_Girl: I'm really learning a lot from just reading through things. I think it will help me a lot too.

[Cure Bunny]

Yes I think so Mara, people are nice.

We want to make sure you get to be the best you.


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[maraesque]

I am very much looking froward to being/meeting the best me I can be.