I think I'm done.

[I Am Paula]

A few months ago I posted regarding- At what point do we stop being transsexual, and start just being?
It's taken a while, but like all small, gradual changes, I didn't see the changes day to day, it hit me all at once.
I'm done.
I still have a few physical changes to make, a BA in the fall, and SRS next spring, but right now I'm not in the midst of anything. My legal issues are finished, all my paperwork is congruent to my name, and sex. I'm not building a wardrobe, or trying to get social acceptance. My beard's gone, and my hair is just where I want it, I could drop a few pounds, but who's counting? I live and work as Paula, and I am rarely seen as that person who used to be Paul.
There is no 'next step'.
When I started transition, my mind said this is going to be a years long trip, frought with danger. Fourteen months later I have left my old self by the wayside.
Without realizing it, I stopped being in transition.
'I am'.
There will be those who say transition is a lifelong process. I disagree. At some point you have to stop being a work in progress, and enjoy just being yourself. Transition, to a huge degree, is a mental process. While we are waiting for our bodies to cooperate, we pick our new mental space, and build a life around it. I have found mine.

[Angela Campbell]

Me too. I no longer feel like I am in transition. I am just living now. Yes there are some things still left to do, but pretty much I am now me.

[Rianna Humble]

Without wanting to deny anything that Paula and Angela are experiencing, I will not consider my transition complete until I am whole. Unfortunately, my health is standing in the way of that for the time being.

[GabbiSophia]

Congrads paula.. does this mean the crazy talk or chatter of the mind has ended?

[I Am Paula]

Yup, it's just me in there.

[Kimberly Kael]

It seems to be more a state of mind than anything. I don't see anything wrong with identifying as transsexual, but it certainly isn't my primary identity. It's one small part of who I am instead of some overwhelming state of being that occupies my every waking thought. So perhaps that's the feeling you're describing? If so, I think the answer is simple: when you're ready.

[Bria]

Paula, it sounds like you are at peace with yourself, congradulations, that is the goal of transition is it not?

Hugs Bria

[Jorja]

If you have read any of my postings over the time you have been here, I have said many times, it is a mind game. It sounds as though you have won the game and are moving on. Good for you! Go enjoy life as the person you are.

[mikiSJ]

Paula, I am with those above who congratulate you on being you; wherever you are at this moment in your life. You have achieved what many of us here are longing for; living, working, smiling as a woman.

I am still amazed that some TGs simply can't understand the evolution of the woman inside unless they have spent tens of thousands of Dollars on surgery and therapy and years of living in a strange world.

Like K said, it is a state of mind: my mind is fully there even though my physicality may never get there.

I can see an argument for making a distinction between a crossdresser who does not embrace transition and transgender individuals - but once the individual makes the statement they are transgender, then they are. We should not get into incrementally grading one and another on what got removed between their legs.

[arbon]

I am pretty much done transitioning in that I do live as a woman and usually accepted as a woman. But still trying to figure out who me as a woman really is, not quite there yet. It all still very new, and shifting.

I don't worry to much anymore about being transsexual or just being a woman. Just trying to live my life.

[PretzelGirl]

These comments are reassuring as I believe most, if not all of you transitioned in place. That is one thing I have contemplated is if I could ever reach 100% if I had family and co-workers around. I am preparing myself by accepting that it probably won't be as a by-product of transitioning in place, but would love to have it all and will work towards that goal.

[Donna Joanne]

Just reading what you all have said gives me hope that what I want and desire is obtainable. You all sound like you've become the ladies you always were, now you are just trying to figure out where that woman fits into the world. That is something everyone has to do, no matter what gender or sexual orientation.

Congratulations on completing this stage of your race, the next stage will be wonderful as you continue your journey of self discovery! Godspeed!

[I Am Paula]

Donna, The next stage is simply called 'The rest of my life'.:)