In the beginning stages of transition

[indnor]

I want to hear a few things that people who have successfully transitioned wish they could've told themselves or wish they could've heard. Stress relieving one liners, such as:

--You don't need to live in the shadows. You don't want the stress of a double life

Comments

[nmbr6]

I guess the main thing I have to say along these lines is... Don't try to force any aspect of your life into any particular shape.

Don't try to force anyone to accept you, don't try to force any particular doctor, shrink, hair removal professional, etc to be cooperative, don't lose it if a particular style of dress or makeup doesn't turn out to work for YOU.

Remember that the end goal is to get to live your life without having to pretend you're someone else. A life where you're comfortable with who you are. That's what's important... But it's easy to get bogged down in and depressed by the little frustrations you encounter along the way. Don't sweat the small stuff.

[treasadreaming]

- Be the best you that you can be. There is no need to try to be someone you are not.
- You are not responsible for anyone else's reactions.
- No one else* gets to define you. You have that strength and that privilege.

* Even allies.

[cai1987]

Ok, I've got a few.

You can still find romantic love and sexual satisfaction during and after transition.

Transition is not going to prevent you from achieving your goals in life.

I'm sure there's more, but it's late and I'm going to bed.

[floorcandy]

If anything I'd say that you'll make friends now who'll like you better as you are now, and old friends (the ones that matter) will prefer you as you are now. It's more likely than you think.

Your life is more mundane than it is scandalous. You get the occasional idiot, but they live in a sad little world and deserve your pity.

You have the gift of self, and that is more than some people have, trans or otherwise.

Remember that you're beautiful and strong and courageous, and that just because it's tested doesn't mean you're ugly, weak or a coward.

[levyn]

- One day, it won't be all you think about. Breathe easy.
- The friends you have [ and keep ] will be the ones worth sticking by.
- Don't ever feel like you are "fooling/ hiding something from" people once transitioned to the point you want.
...that is no one's business unless you decide otherwise. You are simply...YOU.
- Don't allow yourself to succumb to the media. The news is never the truth. Transitioning / being trans is deeply personal. Allow yourself the beauty of your own experience.

Much luck to you!

[treasadreaming]

"One day, it won't be all you think about. Breathe easy."

Yes! So true.