I figure that it's still New Year's through the first week of work, and I know a few unfortunate folks are working this Saturday - so in the nick of time, 'Happy New Year!'
Do you make New Year's resolutions? Do you have any that have survived the first week of the new year? 🙂
I'm the kind of person who likes to set New Year's resolutions. Though I call them goals and hope that this renaming trick will give me an edge in actually attaining some of them, because as you know - resolutions are made to be broken, but goals are made to be achieved. At least that's the theory, but my rebranded 'Goals' contain a few familiar faces.
Lose Weight. Check. I didn't lose much last year, but I'm going to beat myself up all of this year until I make some more progress. Apart from all the health benefits to losing weight, I'll feel good about myself and look better in the new dress I bought for Christmas.
Follow a budget. Check. I seem to have better luck at this goal than losing weight, which is surprising given how hard it is for me not to buy something.
This year was unique though, since I included a few transgender new year's resolutions on my list. Over the last few years I've reached a point where I don't feel as much apprehension and guilt as I used to and every new step along my transgender journey brings me joy.
My Transgender New Year's Resolutions
Finish electrolysis: Sometimes it feels as though I've spent more time removing hair than I've spent crossdressed. So far I've logged almost 40 hours of laser hair removal, and another 30 hours of electrolysis. It's probably the most painfully expensive fulfillment I've experienced, and it's worth every grimace. My goal this year is to finally finish electrolysis for my facial hair. Having a baby smooth face and never needing to shave again are tantalizing indeed. I know that I'll need to steel my resolve as I get closer to finishing. It's easier to justify skipping a session when there are just a few blond hairs left 🙂
Make more (in real life) transgender friends: I've met some wonderful ladies through Crossdresser Heaven, but most of my transgender friends are virtual. I've also met a few fabulous girls in the real world (hi Vicki!), this year I want to make a few more "offline" transgender friends. This means, in part, that I need to get out to more transgender events, and be less self conscious going out when dressed - both things I'm looking forward to!
Attend a transgender conference: It's hard to imagine that just a few years ago I would shudder at the thought of going to a transgender conference. I'm excited about all the things I'll learn, and the new people I'll meet in a transgender friendly environment. Since it's local, I'm planning to attend Espirit this year. I'll let you know closer to the date whether I'll be going, it would be great to meet some of my lovely readers.
Begin building my feminine identity: Of all the goals I've set for 2010, this one is perhaps the most nebulous for me. I realize that when I am Vanessa a different side of my personality emerges - a person I enjoy being, but don't yet fully understand. I have to thank Petra for bringing such ponderings to the forefront of my mind. This goal could perhaps be titled 'Figure out whether I want to transition', but my aim at the end of 2010 is not to come out with a single answer. Rather, by the end of this year I want to grow into the kind of person who can answer this question. Coming up with an answer to the 'Do I want to transition?' question may still take many months or years after 2010.
I hope 2010 has begun well for you! Do comment and let me know what your resolutions are for 2010, and if you don't make resolutions let us know why not.
Onward into the brave unknown!
-Vanessa
