6 month thankful reflection

[Guest DianeATL]

In some ways it seems I have always been this way and I want to keep moving forward faster and faster but I have to pause and reflect on how far I have come in a relatively short amount of time. Prior to May of this year I had never stepped out into the world as Diane, since then:

• I go out now 4+ times a week doing everything from shopping to clubs, dining, running errands, just living my life as a woman
• I had just a couple of outfits I kept in a suitcase, now half of my closet is dedicated to girl clothes
• I did not have any jewelry, now I have to keep expanding the cases to keep it all
• I had never been to a therapist for anything, now I have a great relationship with my GID therapist
• I have a large and growing group of friends who only know me as Diane and they love and accept me for who I am and have my back when I need them
• From someone who was scared to shop and slinked near the women's department, I am now totally comfortable shopping for clothes even when in DRAB, I just do my thing and don't worry about others (and they really don't notice)
• I have used countless ladies restrooms and dressing rooms, it doesn't even seem to register as a big deal anymore
• I have learned a lot about make up and think I am doing OK - when I started it took a fire hose to get it all off, now one to two make up removing towelettes and I am clear
• I have a Facebook profile
• I have a debit/visa card with Diane on it
• Starting Electrolysis next week and HRT in Jan
• I have come out to my wife and hair stylist
• I have a plan

As the old Virginia Slims ads used to say "you've come a long way baby" (dating myself with cigarette ads). I have a long way to go but I feel like I have a GPS locked in on my destination now.

Couldn't be this far along this fast without the fabulous team at Laura's Playground. You guys and girls rock.

[Guest Gwendolyn Elizabeth]

Having a plan is good but things don't always go according to plan. I have had to adjust my plans more than once.

[Guest DianeATL]

Gwendolyn, I understand that plans are all about change. But at least with a plan, I know when I am changing course.

I have sailed quite a bit in my past and as opposed to a powerboat, you never can take a straight line to your objective. It is a constant change of tact back and forth adjusting to the wind but eventually you reach your destination.

Hugs,

Diane

[Guest CassieX]

Congratulations Diane on your Journey so far.

I know that I took many many baby steps when I first started my transition and I planned a lot and that really paid off for me when I changed my name and came out at work. Everything sort of exploded forward from there and I haven't looked back. Good planning, adaptability and polite persistence really worked for me and I'm sure with the list you have written, you have a solid foundation for your transition.

Cassie

[Carolyn Marie]

Big congrats on all you've accomplished, Diane. It is never an easy journey, but that's what makes success all the sweeter. I hope that things go well with your wife, and wish you all the best as you head towards transition. You look great, BTW.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest LizMarie]

You look great, Diane. I've found that having a plan helps keep me positive and looking forward. It also helps me plan my expenses, since I made one commitment not to go into debt to accomplish my transition. I've had to adjust several times already but that's ok. I'm just the type of person who does better with a plan than without. I'd rather have a plan that I changed a hundred times than just wing it without one. And I'm not saying that is right or wrong for anyone else. It's what worked for me.

I suspect Diane is in the same boat and feels better to have some sense of "control" over such a life changing process as transition.

[Guest DianeATL]

Thanks all and Liz, I do plan everything. I am adaptable and know things have to change but usually I have already planned what if contingency options on hand. Planning is not only planning success but it is planning for obstacles too.

And I should have mentioned, I haven't spent that much building my wardrobe. I have shopped thrift stores, consignment shops and the low cost stores like Marshall's, Ross, and TJ Maxx. I have become pretty good at finding bargains, I got a nice dress the other day for $10.

Diane

[KathrynJulia]

Diane

You really have done very well for yourself and deserve to be thrilled with your progress. Before you know it, RLE will be in full progress and you will wonder why it took you so long to get there. It's hard to transition. Anybody who thinks we do this on a lark and aren't seriously forced to do this, I wish they could walk a mile in our shoes. I have a new roomate of two weeks who is amazed at what it takes and what we go through in transition. She's a very open minded woman and yet she has read a few of the stories posted here on Laura's and she is an ally of us all now. She is in awe of us and of you.

We're sitting here listening to the voice and I showed her your post and she is in awe of what you have accomplished in such a short time and what all of us go through. Peggy says hi. So congratulations Diane, you are doing well. Kathy

[Guest]

Congratulations on all your successes to-date Diane.

Indeed "You've come a long way baby".

Best of success and prosperity on your continued Journey.

Huggs, Sister,

Joann