Charlotte's scratch post

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Thanks Danielle and Lori. I do find it hard to let people in as friends and to believe it. Not to mention its a feeling I really get overwhelmed with and struggle to process. But you're always there. Thank you so for being such good friends to me. It helps.

And also to all the others on here that keep giving me kind words. I really appreciate you too.

Love and lots of hugs, Charlotte 😻

[Pema]

Hi Pema, you really do have a way with words and never fail to make me feel warmth. Thank you. I see where you are coming from and would never say those things to anyone. I think all people are beautiful, well apart from myself it seems.

I guess I'm just struggling to feel that I look much different to what I used to. I need to leave him behind but still see him in me.

Charlotte, that warmth you feel is coming from inside of you. If I have anything to do with your feeling it, it's only because I'm pointing it out to you. That's all you, my friend.

And I understand your not wanting to see him in the mirror, but remember that he carried you this far and launched you on this path. Try not to see him as an adversary. His heart is your heart.

I completely relate to what you're saying about your mother. I went through something very similar with my mother many (many) years ago. She made the (presumably unconscious) choice to support her arrogant, narcissistic husband over just being reasonable with me. I felt I had no choice but to interact with her quite superficially, and that really was all she was capable of doing.

About 10 years later, the two of them divorced, and my mother became genuinely interested in me and my life. Decades later, we are extremely close and have been for a long time.

So, things can change and people, too. It just takes time and persistence.

Sending you love,
Pema

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Hi Pema,
Thank you...sometimes its difficult to feel warmth and light without a little help though. Internally I'm pretty much all consumed with darkness. I hope one day to leave that behind with some therapy.

Charlotte 😻

[Pema]

And I am *ecstatic* that you're in therapy and that it shows such promise. ❤️

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Running club stepped things up bit so I really felt I got a good work out today. I felt more sociable too and relaxed, so that made it even better. I came away feeling a bit exhausted but in a good way.

I've joined a local club of woman and gender expansive DJs who support each other to grow skills and confidence, but also offer opportunities to perform. I'm hoping this will help me gain confidence and support me to do more and become better. It'll feel at least a safer space to be the real me.

Councelling went well. Determined how a lot of what I do is a front or act born from a perceived need to constantly protect myself. The true me is marred by the front I think the world wants to see. But do I really know what I want? So going to try and connect with myself, try to feel a place of safety. Somewhere I can honestly explore myself.

Thanks again for the love and care given to me by all. Love you all too 😻

Charlotte

[Pema]

Charlotte, I noticed that you'd changed your avatar back to a photo of your face, and I came here to tell you how good it was to see you again, that no matter how you may feel at times about your appearance, you are you and you are special.

When I got here, I saw what you had posted today, and that made it all the better.

Sister, there will be ups and downs. You will learn to ride them and be at ease even when things don't go as you'd hoped. I've seen you come so far in just a few months, and I'm eager to see where you go.

Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us.

Love,
Pema

[davina61]

I thought I would never pass, balding, over weight (still !!) 60 year old but I do .Still need to work more on my voice.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Thank you Pema and Davina. You're both so lovely and beautiful too. We are each different for sure. I gotta learn to love my quirkiness as really that is and always has been my identity.

Today will be interesting. Traveling to Worcester to start electrolysis on my you know where! My local place charges 3 x the price for pre grs electrolysis so have to go further.


Charlotte 😻

[davina61]

Not that far from me then.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Not that far from me then.

Oh yeah I remember you mentioning Malvern I think once. It's a lovely area. It's not too bad from here really. The same time if I drive or get the train so can really just decide how I feel.

Pearl doing my electrolysis was lovely and put me at ease. A good thing as I'm not so used to anyone else touching me around there! The hairs responded well and didn't hurt too much. She was surprised at my pain threshold and said a lot of people struggle at that power.

So I'll be going fortnightly for 2 hour sessions at first, ready to be clear for next year! And less than half the cost of my local place, so saving over £150 per session.

Charlotte 😻

[Lori Dee ✅]

Davina has a torch that will get them gone in one session!

Ouchies! Just, ouch.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Davina has a torch that will get them gone in one session!

Ouchies! Just, ouch.

Now that's one thing I haven't tried...yet 🫢

[Pema]

I don't feel like you've given electrolysis a fair go yet. Stay with it for a bit before changing methods, I beg you.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

I don't feel like you've given electrolysis a fair go yet. Stay with it for a bit before changing methods, I beg you.

Oh i'll definitely be staying with it! Going to get my rogue eyebrow hairs taken out too. Perfect permenant brows coming soon 😻

[davina61]

I was lucky as didn't need any hair removed, laser was enough for me on my face (ouch)

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

I'm ill again with another cold caught at work. Seems to be non stop at the moment. Been a fairly uneventful week apart from the news on here of course, now being on the staff!

Pretty unexpected for sure, but it's definitely made me happy. Knowing that me just being me on here has been so well received. Honestly I just want people to feel good about themselves, know that someone is out there, someone is listening. Or just be there when someone has just the greatest news, and are eager to share that joy.

Many a time I've spent in tears just wishing for someone to reach out to. But more importantly someone who won't judge, maybe firm but not belittling my experience. I know pain, I know being on the edge of existence, I know hanging on by a thread. I won't see anyone feel those feelings without offering my support. To listen, share a story, share advice or just be there.

Well this seems the place I can get the support I so need, but also offer my understanding and care to others like everyone on here does.

Love Charlotte 😻

[Jessica_Rose ✅]

Charlotte, I hope you feel better soon.

Transitioning is not easy. I think most of us were pushed to the edge of existence before accepting our truth. It will get easier, then harder, then easier. Eventually, you will reach a point where you are happy with yourself, and strong enough to ignore those who don't matter. We'll be here for you, and for anyone else who needs us.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Northern Star Girl ✅]

@Charlotte_Ringwood
Dear Charlotte:
Thank you for posting and sharing. 
I hope, trust and pray that you get healed up from your re-occuring cold.
Try to stay warm and dry, stay away from people that are coughing or
sneezing at your work.

I was touched by your description of what emotions you are feeling being
here on the Susan's Place Forum.  Yes, you are well received here and you have
a great testimony to share with new and old members that your greet and welcome
in your Staff Role as an Official Greeter.

I am so very glad that you are sharing yourself with all of us on the Forum.
We all need each other, and the Forum exudes and  emanates acceptance,
understanding and provides SAFE PLACE and a SAFE REFUGE with understanding,
listening, and sharing among our like-minded members.

As  @Jessica_Rose very correctly stated in her reply post:

We'll be here for you, and for anyone else who needs us.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

I'm ill again with another cold caught at work. Seems to be non stop at the moment. Been a fairly uneventful week apart from the news on here of course, now being on the staff!

Pretty unexpected for sure, but it's definitely made me happy. Knowing that me just being me on here has been so well received. Honestly I just want people to feel good about themselves, know that someone is out there, someone is listening. Or just be there when someone has just the greatest news, and are eager to share that joy.

Many a time I've spent in tears just wishing for someone to reach out to. But more importantly someone who won't judge, maybe firm but not belittling my experience. I know pain, I know being on the edge of existence, I know hanging on by a thread. I won't see anyone feel those feelings without offering my support. To listen, share a story, share advice or just be there.

Well this seems the place I can get the support I so need, but also offer my understanding and care to others like everyone on here does.

Love Charlotte 😻

[Pema]

I hope you're able to rest and recover quickly, Charlotte.

You're getting stronger all the time, and it's beautiful to see.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Knowing that me just being me on here has been so well received. Honestly I just want people to feel good about themselves, know that someone is out there, someone is listening. Or just be there when someone has just the greatest news, and are eager to share that joy.

Many a time I've spent in tears just wishing for someone to reach out to. But more importantly someone who won't judge, maybe firm but not belittling my experience. I know pain, I know being on the edge of existence, I know hanging on by a thread. I won't see anyone feel those feelings without offering my support. To listen, share a story, share advice or just be there.

You are beautiful. I think the only one who doesn't see it yet is you.

Your experience is different in a unique way, but you understand what it is like to wish there was someone to talk to. Not only do you understand that feeling, but you stepped up and said, "I am here for you."

That is pure gold.

Never stop being you.

When I feel a cold coming on, I soak in a hot bath for 30 minutes. Keep the water as hot as I can stand it without getting burned. After 30 minutes, put on warm PJs and climb under a blanket. Sip hot tea and keep the clear fluids going to flush it out.

My "clear fluid" of choice is tequila, but alcohol is not the right medicine.

Feel better soon. We aren't done with you yet.

😀