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Val's Voyage

Started by Valerie.Val, May 19, 2026, 06:18:52 AM

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Valerie.Val

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 23, 2026, 07:00:10 AMTable football (I can't use the S word)? as in Subutteo or are you talking Foosball.
😘 Sorry for the s word, just because we're on a US server. 😜 I am not a native speaker and yeah foosball is what I meant.

My closest long time male friends are good guys really, they reject all toxic masculinity and are a nerdy bunch. No wonder I gravitated to them.

Unfortunately as I mentioned, therapists are super hard to find, here, and I can't be too picky. I'll see if online therapy is available here.

@Gina P that sound wonderful, I'm glad you found such a good person to help you along!

@tammy753 I hear you. well. Maybe I need to look for therapists that are out of my price range. Maybe I can get help faster.


Gina P

Quote from: tammy753 on May 23, 2026, 10:25:38 AMMy Therapist is amazing and we have never had an in person session although she is pushing for one. One of my issues is Agoraphobia and Social Anxiety. If none are available locally go for online. Just having someone to talk to that you can share those super dark thoughts with is worth 100000 times the cost.
Had to look up Agrophobia. I used go have terrible social anxiety. Funny thing is that went away as I transitioned. I believe it was from acting and pretending that I was something I was not, A MAN! Deeply feared going out, especially going into a city, meeting new people, or traveling. I would like to give my therapist the credit, but in all actuality it came from the confidence of just dressing and being myself. It seams to be the opposite of what one would expect, right.
🔗 [Link: wackypackagesforum.com]

tammy753

My Therapist is $100 a session. She offered to do a session every 2weeks due to cost. I have opted for weekly but I don't have a family like you. You are worth the cost of therapy!

Be upfront about your financial situation some will lower the cost if you are paying out of pocket.

Stottie Girl

#43
Quote from: Gina P on May 24, 2026, 07:24:04 AMHad to look up Agrophobia. I used go have terrible social anxiety. Funny thing is that went away as I transitioned. I believe it was from acting and pretending that I was something I was not, A MAN! Deeply feared going out, especially going into a city, meeting new people, or traveling. I would like to give my therapist the credit, but in all actuality it came from the confidence of just dressing and being myself. It seams to be the opposite of what one would expect, right.
@Gina P @tammy753

That is interesting Gina. I am an introvert not really an agoraphobic but I have to force myself to go out on my own. I have never been to a cafe on my own, rarely do anything without someone else there and now I am mostly alone it means I have been stuck in a rut not doing anything at all really.

I have noticed that since being on here my female inner self has blossommed and she is outgoing, bubbly, friendly, caring, confident. I have found that this is giving me much more confidence in real life. I have started trying to get out more on my own. I'm using these trips to show people the castles and interesting places where I live to build more confidence but I'm hoping to develop this further and pluck up the courage to go to cafe's or art galleries and the like, all on my lonesome. I could never have contemplated this before I came here. I am hopeful that when I finally transition socially I will be able to have more confidence and be able to enjoy life more. The signs are good.

Tammy, you might find that as you start to explore transition and your sense of self grows, you might be able to start overcoming the Agoraphobia too. Your therapist should be able to help you with this. My auntie is Agoraphobic and it has blighted her life a bit. If you can get control of it, it will do you the power of good.
A wise man once said don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes, that way when you judge him you're a mile away and you have his shoes!

Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on - Billy Connolley

Petunia

Hi Valerie,

Welcome. You are going to find love, support, understanding and a wealth of experience here.

With no judgement.

I'm really happy for you that your wife is ok with what you are looking to do.

Please keep communicating with her all the time. Things are going to get hard at some stages for each of you.

Petunia

Tammy,
Welcome (back) to you too

Valerie.Val

@Petunia thanks so much for the warm hello, and yes wife and I are talking all the time, good advice! <3

Valerie.Val

Today I'm trying all dude mode. No little anchors, no female demeanor, no female scent, sitting broadlegged, talking deep.

Dude has been shouting inside for days now to return to the "safe and easy life" so I thought I'd try it. What should I say, I'm 1 hour in and it feels... empty. Sad. And still not safe.



@Moderators: feel free to move this topic to the journals. how about "Val's Voyage"

KristaFairchild

Quote from: Valerie.Val on May 23, 2026, 01:08:30 PMUnfortunately as I mentioned, therapists are super hard to find, here, and I can't be too picky. I'll see if online therapy is available here.


Once I quit trying to find someone local, I was in a virtual candy store of therapists! I used AI and Google to find the perfect fit. She deeply understands transition; I think most of her patients are trans. She also has training in the issues I have. The cost is hard, but I'm feeling stable now so I only see her every 3-4 weeks.I'm looking forward to seeing her tomorrow   

Valerie.Val

Quote from: Valerie.Val on Yesterday at 04:07:56 AMToday I'm trying all dude mode. No little anchors, no female demeanor, no female scent, sitting broadlegged, talking deep.

Wow I didn't last long, pure dude mode has really become unbearable. :-[

Lori Dee

Quote from: Valerie.Val on Yesterday at 04:07:56 AM@Moderators: feel free to move this topic to the journals. how about "Val's Voyage"

Here ya go, Val!

Welcome to Val's Voyage.

And congrats on the blog.
You have a good start already.
Links didn't change; it is just in a different place now.
My Life is Based on a True Story <-- The Story of Lori
The Story of Lori, Chapter 2
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Gina P

Nice to see you in have a blog, Val. I had one of those who? moments, then was like, oh good, she's here now! 
🔗 [Link: wackypackagesforum.com]

KristaFairchild

Quote from: Valerie.Val on Yesterday at 07:03:34 AMWow I didn't last long, pure dude mode has really become unbearable. :-[
I honor you for trying this experiment. I often very briefly consider it, but I just can't. Just the thought of my male clothes sends an uncomfortable shiver up my spine 

Valerie.Val

Quote from: Lori Dee on Yesterday at 07:40:31 AMHere ya go, Val!
Thank you dear @Lori Dee !

@Gina P 🤗

@KristaFairchild it was a very unsettling experience; my spouse said my eyes looked dead. It was a good reminder of why I'm going forward.

tgirlamg



Welcome to your new blog Valerie!... I look forward to watching your voyage take you to amazing places!

Onward Brave Sister!

Ashley 💕
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment" ... Ralph Waldo Emerson 🌸

"The individual has always had to struggle from being overwhelmed by the tribe... But, no price is too high for the privilege of owning yourself" ... Rudyard Kipling 🌸

Let go of the things that no longer serve you... Let go of the pretense of the false persona, it is not you... Let go of the armor that you have worn for a lifetime, to serve the expectations of others and, to protect the woman inside... She needs protection no longer.... She is tired of hiding and more courageous than you know... Let her prove that to you....Let her step out of the dark and feel the light upon her face.... amg🌸

Ashley's Corner: https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,247549.0.html 🌻

Stottie Girl

Hey welcome to your blog Val, it's nice to have a home for your musings. I like what you've done with the place!

I'll check in from time to time for updates.

Sarah xx
A wise man once said don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes, that way when you judge him you're a mile away and you have his shoes!

Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on - Billy Connolley

davina61

Welcome to the basement dear. 9 year since I said goodbye to him and no regrets.
a long time coming (out) HRT 12 2017
GRS 2021 5th Nov

Jill of all trades mistress of non
Know a bit about everything but not enough to be clever

Northern Star Girl

@Valerie.Val
Dear Valerie:
I have so very much enjoyed your postings, comments and thoughts that you have shared on the Forum since
you registered as a member less than 2 weeks ago. You have a wonderful way of explaining your feelings
regarding various issues, but you also share kind and well thought out replies to other members questions
and postings.

I want to give you a BIG WARM WELCOME to Susan's Place and the Forum.

I am so very happy to see that you have started your own Blog thread here on the Forum.

You can consider your Blog thread as your HOME here on the Forum where your readers and
followers can  find you to leave their comments and to share with you. 

Also your Blog thread is your shared personal journal that you can use to write down your thoughts
and comments as you navigate your journey and life endeavors.

I have some older Blog threads here from several years ago that I still go back to
read what I had shared...  great memories of my trials and tribulations as I documented
my own journey. 

I also keep a personal "old school" pen & paper journey for my eyes only... complete with
colorful doodling and snapshot pictures. 
On a cold and rainy night I can be found in my comfy chair in front of my warm fireplace
reading over some of my past writings... sometimes with tears in my eyes and sometimes
with a smile on my face.
I find that when I read over my past writings that it is good personal therapy that allows
me to review my past actions and develop good solutions and new actions that are a benefit
in my life journey.

As you feel free to share your story you can find comfort in knowing that when you
share your heartache, trials, difficulties and unpleasant experiences that test your
resilience and strength... that you have like-minded members and friends here that will
be at your side to offer their shoulder for you to lean on.
On the other hand, when you share your successes, accomplishments,and happy moments we will
rejoice with you and help you to celebrate those good times in your journey.

Along with your readers and avid followers I look forward to following your "Val's Voyage" Blog thread and
your future postings around the various threads on the Forum.

If you ever have questions regarding the Forum and other related matters always feel free to contact me.

My warmest HUGS ... and wishing you happiness and success as you continue on.

                  💜
Danielle [Northern Star Girl] 
The Forum Administrator  Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com

Quote from: Valerie.Val on May 19, 2026, 06:18:52 AMDear community,

my name is Valerie, I am middle adged, and I've only known for a couple of weeks that I'm a woman. It is incredible how I didn't see the truth earlier, because it was hidden under thick layers of shame for all my life. At first I thought I was an enby but I came to realise, I'm just a woman in a dude's body. For our marriage, for the sake of my supportive family and the life we built, I've decided to go on with the man role, kinda forever, no matter the personal cost. I came here to get in touch with people sharing a similar situation.

Anyway thanks so much for having me!
Val
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Valerie.Val

Quote from: tgirlamg on Yesterday at 09:23:31 AMOnward Brave Sister!

Ashley 💕
Dear Ashley, thank you so much Sister. I often think of your tagline. I use it as a mantra. 💜

Quote from: Stottie Girl on Yesterday at 10:39:04 AMI'll check in from time to time for updates.

Sarah xx
Dear Sarah, thank you! I think you are really cool and braver than you know 💜

Quote from: davina61 on Yesterday at 11:18:32 AMWelcome to the basement dear. 9 year since I said goodbye to him and no regrets.
Well yeah... He served well but it's time for his retirement. 😬


@Nortern Star Girl Dear Danielle thank u soo much for your kind words. I appreciate so much the time, love and energy you and the others put into this place. 💜


Much love to all,
XOXO Val
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Stottie Girl

Thanks Val! I wish i felt it but I'm getting stronger all the time! I agree with you about Ashley's mantra it's always in the back of my mind too.😁

Sarah xx
A wise man once said don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes, that way when you judge him you're a mile away and you have his shoes!

Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on - Billy Connolley
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    The following users thanked this post: Lori Dee