A recent comment in correspondence with a friend highlighted how much things have changed in the last year. What was unthinkable is not only thinkable now, but embraced to a degree.
My feelings about transition at work, for example, have changed from terror and flight (or early retirement) to looking forward to it. Now that's a bit of an overstatement, but it conveys the nature of the mind shift. I'm developing a growing sense of impatience to get on with things and frustration over the things slowing me.
So what is this? Acceptance? Trans-acceleration? Yes, but also a change toward seeing myself post-transition as normal and not some kind of pathological imposition. Feeling normal (thank you, God, for hormones) is the source of much confidence, assertiveness (without aggression), and hope. It is a wonderful feeling.
Don't get me wrong - I'm aware of the reality. Stephanie's post on her first week at work is a superb example of the concerns and anxiety. Maybe the way to describe things better is that the prospect has changed from flinging myself into an active volcano to jumping off a high board into a pool. First swim of the season! Cold water! Fresh out of the locker room and still dry! Daunting! But exciting. Hopefully, it will be refreshing and not heart-attack city ...
