Rowan here :)

[Rowan.]

Hello everyone,

 

My name is Rowan and this is my first post to TransPulse. While a couple of extremely close friends have known of my transness for quite a while, I have been in hiding for decades. Recently, I have decided that I want to live a full life. I realized that the happiest moments of my life were made possible by my small steps to express my gender identity. Likewise, some of the most painful and devastating parts of my life were caused, in part, by my inability to fully accept myself. I've come to the realization that I must be true to myself and live an honest and balanced life. I've started to come out to a few people in my life. My decision to come out was not reached easily. If you do the math, it probably took me about 30 years to do so and that's OK. Fear can be a powerful force and has played a major role in me not coming out sooner. My newly found self-acceptance has a surprisingly calming effect with a hopeful glow. I am blessed to have people in my life who are trans-activists and who accept me for me. I'm happy to be here, to share what I know and to learn what I do not know.

 

Thank you for reading ?

[Carolyn Marie]

Welcome to Trans Pulse, Rowan.  Admitting the truth to yourself, and coming here for support, are two of the most important things you could have done.  If you haven't already done so, finding a gender therapist would be another important step on your journey.  We can help you a lot, if you read and ask questions.  The rest is up to you.  We'll be here if you need us. 

 

HUGS

 

Carolyn Marie

[Timber Wolf]

Hi Rowan,

Welcome to Transpulse. I'm glad you're here!

 

Lots of love and a big welcome hug,

Timber Wolf ?

[Elizabeth Star]

Hi Rowan.

[Heather Shay]

Hello Rowan

You are very articulate and are in touch with yourself. You are among a very supportive group and any question or fear you might have you will receive honest answers.

[KayC]

Hi Rowan!  nice to meet you and Welcome!  This is a great Forum I am sure you will find very helpful, and that you will be able to help others.

 

10 hours ago, Rowan. said:

I realized that the happiest moments of my life were made possible by my small steps to express my gender identity. Likewise, some of the most painful and devastating parts of my life were caused, in part, by my inability to fully accept myself.

 

That's a strong self-realization you've already achieved.  Many of us here have experienced (or are going through) similar emotions.  After just a few weeks of gender therapy, my big breakthrough came with finally embracing self-acceptance.  It won't make all your fears and challenges evaporate, but I hope you have/can reach that goal also, because its a solid foundation for the rest of your journey.

 

Deep breaths ... one step at a time❣️

[HollyElizabeth]

Hi Rowan. Welcome to the family. :)

 

Hug Holly.

[Rowan.]

Hi Again,

 

Thank you to all of you who have welcomed me here. Individual responses are below.

 

Carolyn Marie

Good call on finding a gender therapist. This is on my list and I've reached out to a local trans-friendly medical place and received a list of therapists in my area. Over the next week I plan to study the list and find someone. It will be a while before I can afford to see one though. If you don't mind me asking, how often would I expect to see some one, weekly bi-weekly, monthly? I just realized that it's really important to know the answer to this question. I may be able to see someone out-of-pocket if on a monthly basis. Actually, thank you so much for bringing this up. Being prompted to really think about it has made me realize that I may be able to see someone sooner than I thought.

 

Timber Wolf

Thank you sooo much  I'm happy to be here and am really grateful that this community exists.

 

ElizabethStar

 Well, hello to you too. Wow, I just love your hair. The color is just beautiful.

 

Shay

Thank you very much for the compliment. I work really hard to communicate clearly and do my best to choose appropriate words. It's really affirming to that you picked up on this. It makes the hard work worth it.

 

KayC

Nice to meet you too  While I'm new in my own self-acceptance, it feels really good to allow myself to feel free of long kept secrets. I'm currently in the process of coming out to my friendlies. A while this is not as easy as I thought it would be. I'm so happy with how it's gone so far.

 

HollyNoel

Thank you for welcoming me! I'm happy to finally find my family

 

[HollyElizabeth]

Rowan, We are happy to find a new sister.

 

                                                                  ?

[Emily michelle]

Welcome Rowan!