Speaking at a woman's meeting

[Charlize]

Last night i was given the gift of speaking at a women's meeting in a local town. The woman running the meeting was one of the first folks to meet me in the rooms 6+ years ago. I was a man then. I came out to that same meeting about 2 years ago as part of becoming myself. She was the only person i knew out of about 12 women sitting around a big table and in the back.

I read a passage about the 5th step from "Daily Reflections". It allowed me to open up and be honest about who i was and how important my sobriety was in finding myself. Od axioms like being" true to your self" came to my rant. I was honest about who i was and how hard it has been to live my life in such a way that i needed a second birth. My hope was not only to talk about my favorite subject, me, but to help others confront their own issues. I cried and was not the only one with wet eyes. I was not ashamed of myself, but instead, caught up in the beauty and pain of life and the love and support of others. The shares were so beautiful and as the meeting ended i got a dozen hugs of welcome. I am one lucky woman to be sober and transgendered. To be accepted by a dozen straight women who know my story is beyond my wildest dreams.

Hugs,

Charlie

[Guest LilyRose]

Congratulations! You deserve it! You put a lot of hard work into this and the reception you got is absolutely amazing. I would have been just as emotional as you. I know this because I like to put others needs before my own as well. And then to finally have that acceptance would make me the happiest woman in the world. Keep holding your beautiful chin held high! You've come along way.

Hugs a plenty and happy tears,
Lily Rose

[gennee]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story, Charlie. I'm can only imagine the feelings of you and the other women in your presence.

Congratulations.

[Guest Astrosmurf]

Ah Charlie your story caught me off guard and had me in tears too but in a good way. You've really gone so far in your journey, I'm very happy for you and it's very inspirational. Thanks

[Guest Carla_Davis]

Hi Charlie,

Your story reminds me of when I returned to MY Center after they saved my life from Suicide.

I couldn't stop the tears and this was in the main lobby.

The hugs that I received provided so much comfort to me.

I was not even aware if there were any other people present in the lobby and I didn't care.

I guess the song "Big Girls, Don't Cry" didn't apply to me.

I am always proud to talk about ME.

Finally, I am Proud of your Sobriety and I will always Support YOU.

Hugs,

Carla

[Michelle 2010]

Dreams can come true, huh? I'm so very happy for you

You continue to be an inspiration

Hugs

Michelle

[Guest]

Standing ovation of one! Guess who?

[Guest Lacey Lynne]

Off the charts, Charlie! Whoa! Rock on!

Peace & Joy Lacey Lynne