Don't Let Worry Hold You Back

[Carolyn Marie]

I've worried about every step in my transition. It's just my nature to worry. I always dream up the worst case scenarios, and they (of course) almost never come to pass.

So it was with my venture into public life 16 months ago, when I retired. I wanted to do volunteer work in a local museum. I worried whether the staff would clock me and say something. I worried if the public would clock me. I worried about the kids I would meet. I worried about it all.

This past week, I became a docent, which is just an advanced type of volunteer interpreter. I have over 600 hours, about 2/3 of that on the museum floor. I estimate that I've been seen by 20-30,000 people, spoken to 800-1000 people of all ages, had lengthy conversations with many, and have gotten to know all of the interpretive staff and managers very well.

In all that time, I've come out to one staff person, who I work closely with. Not one guest, of any age, has ever said a thing or even looked sideways at me.

All my worry, while understandable, was unnecessary. I am happy, and satisfied, and while I haven't banished worry from my life, it doesn't surface much any more.

My experience is only mine. I hope everyone else could have a similar experience, but I know that isn't always the case. Just know that worry doesn't mean it will come to pass. Don't worry, be happy!

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Charlize]

That is wonderful Carolyn. I'm sure your personality has carried you through those fears. It is amazing how well thing work out if we only let them. I remember your excitement in working at the museum and it sounds like it has been a wonderful experience. Dealing with other people and explaining something we are passionate about is such a joy. Glad it has been so good.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest]

Thank you for the reminder Carolyn Marie.

Your news is absolutely wonderful.

As I've said many times before. It is usually the fear of the unknown which gets us.

Huggs,

Joann

[Guest Lacey Lynne]

Carolyn Marie:

That is WONDERFUL news, Girlfriend!

You and some of my other age-contemporary girlfriends on these boards seem to have The Touch such that good fortune is their lot in life. That is good! That is the way it should be.

At this point, I'm 4 years and 7 months on HRT and back get crucified in public every single day. Don't know why. This is WITHOUT people ever hearing my voice. Of course, the people who do this are always That Three Percent who are seemingly congenital A-holes who are just looking for somebody, anybody, to dump on. Psychological bullies. Yes, I roll with it, but it gets old, really old. Can a person take this for the remainder of their life? As we age, it will only get worse.

Anyway, I am NOT looking to bring anybody down or depress anybody.

Carolyn, live out life with your intelligence, grace, style and class. I need to take lessons from you, really.

You rock!

Peace & Joy Lacey Lynne