Trying to get inspired, what do you do to get it?

[Jodie Wexler]

What do you do to get inspired to dress when you get in a slump? I intended to do some pictures but can't get motivated. Does anyone else get these slumps, how often and what gets you out of them?
Thanks,
Jodie

[Shelly Preston]

Retail therapy usually works for me :)


Unless i run out of money :eek:

[Jodie Wexler]

Retail therapy usually works for me :)


Unless i run out of money :eek:

That is part of the problem I am maxed out on buying stuff. Don't want to.

[charllote34]

Yep i was in a slump to recently , maybe what gets me motivated is seeing someone i admire and try and match how they look or like shelly said some shopping , but these phases do have lows and highs , new things keeps it all fresh!!

[Sonia_cd]

I was in a 10 month slump...and before that a 2 years slump around 2003. It passes. I've found I can't force myself out of it in any way. Window shopping is great but no urge to actually make any purchases. For me, it's part of the cycle of dressing and not dressing.

[MJ]

well looking at beautiful girls like you can help inspire but then again it may stop me after all i am not as good looking as you .. or many other girls here .. i know don't go there :p
trying to find different ways to present an image a plan wall or a garage door on a bed or a chair ... i want to try something different eye catching something that as not been done before ..
Christmas is coming so maybe we can get a Christmas theme /picture thread were we can all post our Christmas pictures ?? in that one thread

would that help .. and Jodi if you post one then so will i ... deal or no deal :heehee:

[LilSissyStevie]

I've never thought to try to get out of a slump. The urge to dress just comes and goes and I just go with the prevailing urge.

[Megan70]

Easy Jodie, its your body and mind telling you to take a break and lay off for awhile. VERY normal. My dressing is cycular where i will go months without dressing voluntarily because either i don't want to or go through mood swings where i find being a CD disgusting and think I look stupid. These too pass. Its always during the summer that I take off from dressings,,its to damn hot to wear a wig, makeup and stockings. I have to wear long sleeve T-shirts or blouses because i have Popeye forearms and give myself away. So My theater of "role-playing " and female impersonation is closed during the holiday season , most of the winter(wig blows off in windy snowstorms) and all of the summer. I do NOT purge, because that's the dumbest and most costly thing to do because that to is a mood altering day of guilt that you kick yourself later when you realize what you've done and have to open your wallet and re-buy everything. NEVER PURGE! IT DOESN'T EVER WORK, just hide it away somewhere till those old feelings just reemerge.
So Jodie, kick of the heels and remove the stockings and take a break for awhile... you're not going through anything that any of us have not experienced, except for TG's and TS's. That is why I know I'm a CD/TV.

Love ,:happy:

Megan70

[docrobbysherry]

What do you do to get inspired to dress when you get in a slump? I intended to do some pictures but can't get motivated. Does anyone else get these slumps, how often and what gets you out of them?
Thanks,
Jodie

Maybe there is no rhym or reason for some of us CD's. Maybe it's NOT a compulsion for u! Think of dressing as having a relaxing, exotic glass of wine. When u feel like it, u have one. When you don't feel like it, u don't worry that u r skipping your wine today!
I had a huge dressing famine recently. I was away on summer family vacations for about 2 months. After a week back, I couldn't wait to get dressed up, and did. Then, I discovered the internet CD sites. And instead of dressing, just talked about it for the next 2 months. Couldn't figure out why I didn't feel like dressing! Then, I started trying on a few funny outfits for Halloween, and have been dressing solidly for over 2 weeks now!
RS

www.myspace.com/robertsherry

[jasmine57]

Jodi-
I think we all go through it. Usually it's something small that gets me out of it. Sometimes it's as simple as seeing myself in the mirror and know i can look so much better in my make-up. Just hang on it'll come back to you. And as beautiful as you are it shouldn't take long.

[Girdlewoman]

Hi, First, let me say that you look lovely in your avatar! I'm in the same boat. I haven't felt like dressing for a couple of years now. I don't purge because I know this is some kind of phase. I've been in this all my life so I know it doesn't go away. I have dressed to the point of regular trips out in public, day or night. I've had make overs in stores gone out to eat, the whole deal! I even underdressed, girdle, hose, bra, everyday. I do remain shaved and can't quite bear the thought of hair after it's been gone for so long. I also wear panties all the time, mainly because I don't have any other kind of undies. I even browse all the usual t-girl sights. But I don't want to dress all the way, do the hair, make up, nails and hair. I know that almost sounds like a real woman. But the bottom line is that the urge and excitement is absent. I'm sure it will come back and I'm am quietly waiting. I guess it's just the way it works. Also, I want to send an apology to Karen. She responded via an email to me regarding this issue earlier and I failed to respond. That kind of attitude is not me, male or female. So, Karen, I'm sorry and thank you so much for your insights and concern. Happy Thanksgiving to everybody. Peace,Charlene (a.k.a. Girdlewoman)

[WendyCD5]

I have only been dressing again for a few months after a long layoff. Now that my wife is gone, I find that getting dressed helps pull me out of a slump. Since I have been dressing again, I have been able to decrease my medication and am feeling much better. Some of the barriers I have to dressing are: 1) not enough outfits, 2) not enough time to get dressed, and 3) not enough time to stay dressed.

I have been en femme all weekend and am really enjoying it. I've been pampering my self with hot bubble baths, nicely scented body lotion, soft nightgowns and snuggly robes. I went to Body and Bath Works and got some Japanese Cherry Blossom bubble bath, bath gel and body lotion. It is so relaxing to get out ot the tub, rub on some lotion and relax in front of a nice fire.

[Mitch23]

did a long reply to this, pressed the wrong button and it disappeared...

i've not been in a slump yet. I'm constantly challenging myself to progress eg, out the front door, then to the shops, then to the mall, then talking to SAs, the trying on in girlie room, then bathroom to the point when I'm totally confident going out and dont care what people think.

then getting involved with our nearest support group, setting up local one, networking and meeting local girls. then there's trying to improve the look, photoshoots, meeting friends then parties, dinners, other events, keeping up with this site and two others, and all the while trying to encourage an unsupportive partner.

Got to fit all this in on my girlie days, monday during the day and friday evening so never really time to get a slump but it might happen one day

love

mitch

[Jodie Wexler]

Today I am about 200 miles from home in a hotel room with a ton of stuff. I added the weekend on to a bussiness trip with the blessings of the wife. So I don't feel guilty about being away from the family.
I did some photography last night. I posted a new lingerie shot but pulled it. I don't know why. I probaly will get dressed later and try to take some more shots but the creative jucies just don't seem to be flowing. I just don't know what to do. Maybe it will come later.

It is such a contrast to last week when I told the vintage shop ladies. I was really happy that day but in my real life I have no one to share the joy with. My wife is supportive but not really a participant. More of a "Thats nice" I am not that interested thing.

Thanks for your help, Jodie

[Sherlyn]

Jodie try to do something besides just dressing for pics (unless thats your thing) ...go out ..give yourself a new goal

[Nicole Erin]

I get that way too.
The thing is, even in drab all my clothes are women's. Even my raggedy tees and shorts. Part of the reason for that I have have little idea what my men's sizes are. So I guess I am always "cross dressed" and don't normally feel the need to go all out with makeup and a skirt.

Also Jodie, have you had any negative feedback about being CD? I have, like when the wife is mad and makes stupid comments. Have creeps in clubs tried hitting on you, being graphic about what kind of love they want to make? That can kind of ruin the fun. Well OK not all our admirers are creeps, but some of them are nasty.

You could try this - just put on an outfit without makeup or anything difficult, and then see how you feel. You might then insist on making up, doing your hair, whatever.

Well good luck with that.

[Jodie Wexler]

I get that way too.
The thing is, even in drab all my clothes are women's. Even my raggedy tees and shorts. Part of the reason for that I have have little idea what my men's sizes are. So I guess I am always "cross dressed" and don't normally feel the need to go all out with makeup and a skirt.

Also Jodie, have you had any negative feedback about being CD? I have, like when the wife is mad and makes stupid comments. Have creeps in clubs tried hitting on you, being graphic about what kind of love they want to make? That can kind of ruin the fun. Well OK not all our admirers are creeps, but some of them are nasty.

You could try this - just put on an outfit without makeup or anything difficult, and then see how you feel. You might then insist on making up, doing your hair, whatever.

Well good luck with that.

The wife has never said any thing mean or nasty about my CDing. I have never been out to a club or anyplace with people there. I would not pass in real life. I get all kinds of PMs
but I really don't get too many of them other than the standard you are hot stuff but some of the others are really nice and you girls know who your are, those messeage mean a lot to me. but I appreicate all of the messages I get .

I don't like being half dressed. Seeing my male head on the female body is not a pretty thing.

Thanks again everyone, Jodie

[Nicole Erin]

Jodie, of course I have seen only photos here, but you look like you could pass. You just don't seem to have a really masculine face, and your body is not large built. The impression you give me aside "you are hot" :heehee: is you seem to have a quiet, shy personality. An air of mystique.

If you ever did go to clubs, like the gay clubs, it would not matter in the least if you passed. Of course at the clubs, the music is so loud and crappy that you cannot really relax and talk.

Well I am done jumping off topic. :o

[Kate Simmons]

Like Sherlyn said, having a real goal helps. What's mine? Enjoying being myself and going out and having a good time with my friends. I can do this whether I'm en femme or not. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish but I know from my own experience, sometimes we tend to overthink things looking for perfection and the very thing that gives us joy tends to become a chore. Just do it and have fun, makes things so much simpler for me anyway.;):happy:

[Davinnia]

I agree with Megan's reply, that in summer it can be too hot to wear stockings, wig & makeup. We are in an early heatwave in South Australia & the last couple of weekends I just couldn't care about dressing. My wife even asked why I wasn't dressing on Saturday night, bless her. I know the urge will return at some point & I will just NEED to dress again.

[feminineandproud]

well you either buy stuff or wait about a month and try again

[trannie T]

I don't worry aout it. If I want to dress, I dress. If I don't want to dress I don't.

[Mary Jane]

Since I can only dress about once a month when my wife is at her club meeting, I generally just go ahead and dress to keep from missing the opportunity. After I am completely dressed I am fully into the dressing and enjoy it as much as usual. Just thinking about all the work it takes to look girly is overwhelming when you are not really that excited about it. Anyway, that has been my experience.

[JoAnnDallas]

When I am in a slump, is when I want to dress the most. LOL

[Karren H]

If ya don't feel like dressing then don't.. Just because you can doesn't mean you have to.. I sure have had times where the opertunity existed but didn't feel the need.. So I didn't.. Ok once I did force myself but its generally not a plesant experience..

Its like forcing yourself to eat when your not hungry! Just wait for it to return and go do something else constructive.. Ya know like solve world peace or world famine... Help your fellow human out a bit....

Karren

[Cara Allen]

well looking at beautiful girls like you can help inspire but then again it may stop me after all i am not as good looking as you .. or many other girls here .. i know don't go there :p
:

I like the way you look, MJ! You are tons more passable than many CD's. Don't run yourself down. You're a pretty girl. You have a smile that would melt an iceberg!

Hugs,

Cara

[Jannis]

I have been in a slump for the past 5-6 weeks. No desire to dress or anything. I do have this urge in cycles as some of you have mentioned. My cycle starts with something that inspires me to dress again. That might be a new skirt I saw at the mall or an especially pretty GG with great legs and mini skirt that I oogled while out and about. I start with underdressing and it just takes off from there. I start wearing girls jeans and tops to the food store. I keep getting bolder as time goes on. I might go to a special club that will get me excited beyond belief. My last big trip was to the beauty salon for a complete makeover. I wore a skirt and heels with the girls for the very first time and it was a charge for me, but they didn't make a deal over it at all. Since that time, I have been in my slump. I start a new cycle slowly, let it build up to a big risk taking adventure, then I lapse back to a slump. Maybe I dress for the thrill and when the thrill is over, it is like a hangover, don't want to do that again. Just my experience.:sigh:

[Angie G]

I've never been in a Slump Jodie All I need it time :hugs:
Angie

[Khriss]

..timing is everything .. I've taken My Mom in while She battles cancer...
She just came out of double mastectomy and "chemo" ...
cramps the dressing ..part of my life..a lot !
- so I come here to relate to other sisters..like You Jodie !?
When I'm in a "slump" I take some extra vitamin E , and make some oyster stew ...:eek::D works for Me ? hehe ... do'nt fret ..have fun with it ! xx"K"

["Mary"]

I find it always helps to have some specific goals.

Not that I am able to dress much, but I did pretty much peak at Halloween & follow up.

I'm setting some new objectives -
- get better eye make up technique.
- Leave dresses alone for a while and put together some casual jeans/top outfits and business outfits.
- Produce some decnet pics of the above
- Shoot some impersonator / tribute pics imitating some recent classic CD.com pics.
- Get out in public more: Some dress & drive for gas, and go to a Connecticut casino.

Let's see how I do.

Diana

[Samantha43]

I seem to go through spurts. At times I don't dress for months, then I can't get enough of it. I have been dressing for so long (30+ years) that I just go with my mood and dress if I feel the need.

[Jodie Wexler]

Thanks for all of your kind reponses and for the nice personal messages I have been receiving about my slump.
I did manage to get out of it a little on Sunday night but it was one of those "I am paying for the room, may as well do it things".
I did it, but it was more of a chore than a pleasure.
Today I had the opportunity
to dress this morning but my heart is just not there yet. I now know I am entering a dry spell with not much chances of dressing for the next few weeks, maybe I will be over it by then. I am at least glad for the fact that I have some pictures I can work with.

Thanks All, Jodie:hugs:

["Mary"]

Am I the only one that has noticed a couple of new Avatars for Jodie over the past few days? Both nice looks, in miniature.

Diana

[Audrey34]

I think you look terriffic Jodie. Just dress up and relax. And when you're in the mood to take pictures, just do it.
-Audrey

[Lori SC]

Hi Jodi,

It sounds like you have lost the desire or need to dress at the present time. More than likely it has something to do with other things going on in your life - more or less stress, maybe physical fatigue? Maybe even too much recent dressing?

You are also tying your dressing with taking pictures and creating artwork. This may be creating some of the problem. Maybe you are creating an artificial deadline? (planning to take pictures in the hotel room). If you are not feeling particularily creative as far as art goes, is this affecting how you feel about dressing?

The plan might be the problem. Scheduling dressing, may not fit with how you feel. Are you forcing yourself to dress by imposing a schedule?

How about just dressing one day with NO agenda - no pictures, no "reason". Just see how you feel about dressing for the original reason you started - for the feel of it?

As far as regaining the "want" to dress, the 100% cure will be time. It will return.

Hugs, Lori

[Cara Allen]

I hear alot of, "Well, this comes and goes... you're just going..."

I know that dressing can be transitional. I disagree about that being the case for you. The reason I say that is that the going is usually because you have become fed up with it... Purges are driven and accompanied by wanting to stop. You can alter your behavior, but the thing about being TG is that it allways comes back.

Having said all that, I don't hear you wanting to stop... In fact you sound like you are missing something.

Have you considered that maybe it is time for a change? Perhaps a change in style? Maybe a change in your behavior? New challenges, like going out in public?

Another possibility is that you are just getting comfortable with who you are...The excitement of finally becoming a person who accepts, is like a new love excitement... It eventually mellows out into a nice and comfortable relationship. Try to just be yourself, with no expectations. Just move to an acceptance that this might be a new phase in your expression of yourself.