Giving Thanks

I'll forgive myself a bit of glurge this morning, because I know that it won't be too long before I find something new to feel down about myself for, and today's just a happy-to-be-me day. Enjoy it while it lasts, kiddo.

Things I'm thankful for (in a very particular order):

I'm thankful to the boy I used to be, for having the courage, recklessness and stupidity to go forward with something that should have seemed impossible.

I'm thankful that I had the means to do everything I felt like I needed to do without driving myself into debt (still woulda been worth it if I had).

I'm thankful that I live in a society that pretty much accepts me for who I am, even if it doesn't always understand.

I'm thankful that I can go out looking like a complete mess and without makeup, and still get called "ma'am" by everyone.

I'm thankful that I barely even notice the quizzical stares anymore, mostly because they so rarely happen anymore.

I'm thankful that I get to see the world from the perspective of both genders. That's something you can't get any other way, I'm pretty sure.

I'm thankful for the great work of Drs. Christine McGinn and Jeffrey Speigel, whose results I am enjoying on a daily basis.

I'm thankful that being transgender no longer feels like the focus of my existence, at least when I feel like getting away from it for a while.

I'm thankful for all the love and support I've received since deciding to transition, from new friends and old, family and strangers.

I'm thankful to all the girls and boys who have broken my heart along the way.

I'm thankful for all the years I have left to live the life I always wanted, however many there are.

Today I'm thankful for who I am and that I'm no longer who I was. Because this is better in almost every conceivable way.