19 Years Old

Yesterday was my birthday *dances around in onesie*

Yesterday, I turned the big 1-9 and although it wasn't really that much of a big deal, I felt like nothing could get me down. I had plenty of birthday messages (thank you again), some great presents (I officially have a lot of clothes now, all colourful of course) and I went out to celebrate with friends.

(My mum went the a particular shop to find me something 'masculine' and returned with this)

The thing that I wanted to specifically talk about is how much of a difference a year makes.

This was me at my eighteenth birthday party.

I was surrounded by great friends and had a wonderful time but in reality, I was a very unhappy person and felt incredibly far away from where I wanted to get to. I hadn't been to a Gender Identity Clinic yet and the prospect of starting testosterone seemed so out of reach.

This was me at my nineteenth birthday celebration (right).

Still surrounded by great friends, but so much happier! I'm over three months on testosterone and feeling the great effects. I'm about a hundred times more confident in public and feel that I can be a friendly and open as I always was, but was too shy and self-conscious to be. I'm even considering applying for university this year now that I have the gusto to start such an adventure.

So yes, a year makes a whole load of difference. I'm hopeful that when my twentieth comes around I'll be in the stages of preparing for top surgery and every year following will be another huge leap in my transition.

fab