Today marks 365 days on hormone replacement therapy! I’m still in awe of how far I have come in just one short year, it’s truly incredible. A few years back I was ashamed of and hated myself, just last year I was terrified of my future but slowly coming out of the closet, and now this year there have been countless people that tell me they are inspired by what I have been able to accomplish. I am overjoyed to hear that people are inspired by my story, and quite honestly it is sometimes difficult to fully wrap my head around it.
But when I think about these comments, I can’t help but think if this is how people really feel when they see/hear my story? Inspiration, to me, is that unrelenting inner drive that constantly pushes you to better yourself (in w/e facet of your life you wish to improve). I had previously, years ago, thought I was inspired by other transwomen, but if I was truly inspired I would have acted long ago, as this feeling residing deep inside my being (“in my spirit”) would not have left me alone.
I feel that inspiration without action (or the ever-present NEED for action), is simply admiration.
Now to be honest, I have zero problems being admired for what I have done, but I think it’s an important distinction to make. If you truly feel inspired by how I have bettered my life within this past year, then DO something about it, and act NOW to better your own life. Because if you do, then next October, when I am celebrating two years of my medical transition, you will be celebrating your first anniversary of doing the one thing you have most wanted to do, but have been most afraid to do.
Here’s to one year down, and to making the toughest decision of my life.
-Erica ❤️
I’ve got a bunch of photo comparisons to show the effects of the miracle that is HRT:
1. “Bro to whoa” (as one hilarious Reddit commenter phrased it 😂🤣)
2. “Gruff to glam”
3 – 5. “Normal” no makeup selfies – month 1 vs month 12
anamelessauthor says
Keep doing what you are doing. You were one of the first people I remember personally influencing me when I started to seriously consider transition, almost a year ago now. You are right: it’s very much a journey of self-discovery, and we have to be inspired by ourselves before we can be inspired by others, but visible trans positivity like yours is still extremely important and valuable.
I’m at just over 6 months now, so a little behind you on the HRT train. I hope that I can make as much progress as you have in the next 6 🙂
Erica says
It means so much to hear that I played even a small role in your transition. Congrats on 6 months! I’m so happy to hear this <3