Three years ago Today

[Elizabeth]

Hi girls,

Today is my three year anniversary here. Three years ago I came here in the closet, in a bad marriage, extremely depressed hoping that somehow facing my transsexuality might be my saving grace.

Three months after coming here, I had filed for divorce and started dressing full time, even though I could count on my hands all the times I had been fully dressed, before that time.

I will soon be approaching my three year anniversary for living my life as a woman and as that date approaches, my life could not be more different. I met, fell in love and subsequently married Raven(SO), who I just adore. She not only accepts me, but she embraces who I am. She not only does not have a problem with my eventual transition, but she has helped me and pushed me to be more passable.

I know there are those of you who are struggling with your life circumstance. The road ahead may seem impossible or unbearable or just too difficult. I remember when I felt that way. I came here and I seen others who were "out" and seemed to be living happy lives. They went out dressed, their friends and family knew and they accepted who and what they were.

I had remembered that famous Kennedy line "Some people look at the way things are and say 'why?', others dream what has never been and say 'why not?'". I asked myself "why not me?". What made these other people different than me. How is it they were able to come out and live with this gift and I was not?

The answer was, they were no different. They just had the courage and fortitude to face this gift. To refuse to accept a life of unhappiness for the sake of others. To finally take control of my own life. Were there consequences? Sure. I was disowned by a few family members, but really that is about it.

My children all accepted me, my best friends accepted me. I was not shunned by society. In fact I get treated much better as a woman than I ever did as a male. I did not have to worry about losing my job because I am disabled and don't work. I go to college now, but I am well liked and have no troubles there.

Getting to live my life as the woman I always knew I was, is wonderful. I would not change a thing. I just wanted to thank all of you, I really could not have done it without you. I love all of you and wish for you everything I have enjoyed.

Love always,
Elizabeth

[CJ]

And, let me guess, Elizabeth: these past three years were more of a life for you than your entire previous lifetime.

Congrats, Sis!

Love,
CJ

[Georgia(SO)]

-georgia(so)

[Kyra]

Soooo, When's the party?

That's great, Elizabeth! I'm truly glad to see you happy. Some people, in similar situations, might not have had the courage to do what you've done. You are an inspiration to them. You should feel very proud of your accomplishments!

Happy Anniversary!

Hugs,
Kyra

[DonnaT]

Hey Elizabeth, Happy Anniversary!

[Lisa(SO)]

I agree with Kyra! Lizbeth you are an inspiration to others. You faced your fears and put one foot in front of the other. It is still a journey but a much happier one it sounds. I wish that for everyone here on the forum. We are all on different paths in life but hopefully happiness is the end result.

[SilverLady(SO)]

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary, Elizabeth!!

Yes, life is just so much better when you are loved and accepted for who you are (and not what other's expect you to be).



- SL

[Terri(SO)]

Congratulations Elizabeth. Watching you grow here has been inspiring!

[Maria]

Congratulations, Elizabeth, on your third anniversary on the Forum! This Forum is a wonderful place for support.

Maria

[Anita]

Hi Elizabeth--
Welcome back from your forum vacation--I thought I hadn't seen you for awhile, and I was correct. Happy Anniversary! I'll "third" it--you do serve as an inspiration for the community here on this forum.

When ANY of us go out, and the sky doesn't cave in, it's a step in the right direction. What you're demonstrating is that the sky is perfectly happy to stay up for an indefinite amount of time. (Maybe some thunderstorms, now and then!)

I am so glad you've found a path that works for you, Elizabeth, and that you're on here to keep sharing it with us!

Love,
Anita

[Sally]

Congrats Elizabeth and hopefully more and more people over time will say to themselves, “ Why not me” and hopefully find the courage to take steps to change their lives for the better, whatever it involves, be it little steps or larger ones. Not everyone has to make 180 degree turnabouts in their lives, such as you and I have, to live a better, happier and more productive life, for many people, small changes can be extremely effective and rewarding.

I was having a conversation over a cup of tea with some people a while back, and one of them said that they could never find the courage to come out of the closet, even though their emotional pain and desperation was becoming more intense as they grew older.

I asked him that if he was suffering severe abdominal pain or some other physical pain on a daily basis for an extended time in his life, would he seek to do something about it to at least ease the pain, or at best to try and eradicate it altogether, and he said to me in words to the effect, “ I’ve never looked at it that way, I’ve just lived with this for as long as I can remember and it’s a part of my everyday life.” and therein lies the problem for so many people, they’re prepared to suffer emotional pain without exploring ways to ease it, which can be just as damaging overall to their lives, if not more so at times, than physical pain.

Kind Regards,

Sally.

[Virginia]

we LOVE YOU, Elizabeth ---------- Our resident OAK TREE!!!!
Love,
Virginia

[Elizabeth]

Well Ladies,

You still have it. You still give me that wonderful feeling of acceptance that I never knew before I came here. I just can't tell you how I feel right now, but it's a very warm and loved feeling. I hope I can someday give to all of you, what you have given to me.

Love always,
Elizabeth

[Elizabeth]

And, let me guess, Elizabeth: these past three years were more of a life for you than your entire previous lifetime.

Congrats, Sis!

Love,
CJ

CJ,

You just don't know how true that statement is. If I had to die tomorrow in exchange for those three years, it would have been worth it. I don't want to downplay the importance of my children, but I really was not living before, just existing. I would never go back to that life. I really would rather be dead.

Love always,
Elizabeth

[Absaroka]

Thanks for a wonderful and inspiring post Elizabeth. Congratulations.

Absaroka