"We are One"

Other manifestations of life....

Hello Ladies,

OK, so gender and it's resolution is really a major deal for most all of us, right? I get it, I remember the first terrifying steps, and the steps following, and the thought occurred just now that it's rather like a river flowing down to a delta, where it is reduced to hundreds of tiny streams, all converging on a bay or ocean.

"So what?", you may well ask. (Go ahead--it's OK...)

Well, I was just wondering what composes all those little streams that make up the greater person, that's all. The gender stuff--that's a given. But for me, there are lots of other facets of life: I am a published poet. I restore British motorcycles and ride--well, everywhere. I am into canning, and pickling many jars of goodies each Fall. I bake lots of bread, and am using a wood cook stove more and more and having a blast doing it. I love my son and granddaughters and cherish their visits, and I love my cat and dogs and mourn the passing of my husband of 13 years. I miss my parents and grandparents.

I like black and white films, long walks on the beach, dancing, and...oops. Wrong movie. Sorry.....

Ahem. Yes,. Back on topic----what OTHER aspects of our lives make us unique individuals? I studied karate for years and had a heart attack while scuba diving in a lake. Jumped out of an airplane in the days before tandem jumps, and at the tender age of 19, served a tour in Viet-Nam. It all speaks to the whole person, and that's what I'm looking for here.

So. What makes *you*----YOU?

(Can you tell the moon is full? Oh, yeah!)

Barb

2 members like this

Comment by Ragini on February 12, 2012 at 3:41am: What an awesome post. I too was thinking of the same thing. Yes I am trans, and that is a large part of me, but there are so many other things that define me as well. I have been so caught up in work, that I have not had the time to pursue hobbies, but I do take the time for a walk in nature, to listen to soft music, and to dream. I am hoping to pick up more hobbies and activities once time permits.

Comment by Dal Maxwell on February 12, 2012 at 11:24am: BJY - Boy did you ever hit THAT nail on the head! But I think that, for many of us, there is that period of (intense?) self-absorbtion where we are trying to find, define and implement ourselves. But once the dust settles the options (much like MasterCard) are endless.

Once I 'got over myself' and dealt with my medical issues, having resigned myself to not being able to hold a full-time job anymore, I jumped into volunteerism. I re-pursued my interest in broadcasting on Community radio. I got involved again in my religious affiliation. I joined the board of our Gender Support mechanism. I do (amateur) landscape photography.

I think everyone has the opportunity to expand their own horizons exponentially. I notice one person posted about their collecting hobby. I hope that others will follow that lead and look for the depth of your own existence as much as possible. It will so enrich your life and make you so much more a well-rounded person. The chief benefit, in my mind, is that it distracts you from dwelling obsessively on your transgender status and become multi-dimensional.

Comment by Kimberly Marie on February 12, 2012 at 2:08pm: This is perfect timing, as I've been moving back form the cliffs edge of "I'm transgender and what else is there" to remembering I have many facets (or streams) that make me who I am. Although I will admit that the transgender part feels more like Niagara Falls poring into a small pond that's already overflowing at times.

However, I do have many things that help make me who I am. Hobbies like painting & pottery and collecting space stamps and learning about world mythologies. Activities like helping out with different plays and musicals or serving food at homeless shelters. Liking to cook and create new recipes (and learning how NOT to burn the food). Being with friends and family. And the many other aspects that help make me who I am. And when I think about all the things that make *me* me, the transgender part becomes more of a nice flowing stream or river.

Now, if I could only find that companion to spend my life with that could appreciate these aspects too ;-)

Comment by Kimberly Ann Hooper on February 12, 2012 at 7:33pm: Wonderful post Barb and great comments all. As a Nu Be to PE and getting to read post like this showing the " total you" of each member makes me feel I am in a very special group of people. All the wholesome interest in so many hobbies, the volunteer work and diversified backgrounds etc. After some hours of reading comments on this site I get the feeling that members her are a very stable well rounded bunch. Mabe with a little trans issue on the side, myself included. I may not understand my sudden startup of gender issues or were it may be taking me yet but I am very glad to be making this trip with my trans family at PE. Kimberly H.

Comment by Cynthia Ann Norwood on February 12, 2012 at 8:46pm: Yes I did some of those same things. A tour in Viet Nam with a combat unit. Fought in the Golden Gloves, played organized football. Fathered two wonderful children and love my grandchildren. However, I never felt compelled to jump out of an airplane. Put over 200 miles a week on a road bike (bicycle) for about 10 years. Still enjoy riding and working on bikes. Also love my two kitties. But here I am happy to be on HRT and spending time with my friends. I enjoy dancing in my underwear, moonlit walks on the beach, leisurely Sunday mornings...oh wait wrong movie again. :o)