Did you ever think you would be where you are today

I didn't ever really give it much thought when I was younger. Knowing what I know now, take away 40-45 years, have the same income I do now. I would have transitioned back then. I have always viewed (and fought it) myself as a woman. I don't pass, so I don't go out, but somedays I fully dress as a woman in my home. I'm married and my crossdressing broke up one marriage (I'm on my third and final one) My wife knows but request I don't free fully in front of her. She is still of working age so it works out. I never saw my self fully dressed as an adult. I used to sneak my mother's clothing when I was home alone. () I have no sisters.It is kind of strange to dress now because it means so much to me. I thought when I was younger it "was just a phase" I was going through. I realize now it wasn't a phase, but a part of what makes me, me.

Thanks for sharing Jennifer, it is just the best when you realise you look so much better letting your feminine out to play.
It’s so much fun and interesting, putting a look together, accessorising, make up etc, and a never ending source of different choices. My journey just keeps getting better and better, never would have thought 5  years ago that my life now would be so much richer and joyful.
My latest indulgence is trying corsets and clothing with corsets incorporated, not the easiest to tie up the back yourself, but once it’s on I feel (and think I look) like a million dollars!

B x

Jennifer
Embrace those magical moments and memories ✨️ They get better with time and bravery
Hugs Ginger

Jennifer, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be at the point I am now.  Each step forward has had some missteps but I kept pushing my boundaries and moved forward. If I had a dollar for every time I said  to myself  “Oh I’ll just take it to this line” I’d be rich.   I came to realize that line was in sand and meant to be passed over and over and over and over….while  I have surprised myself on this journey and accomplished a lot I still feel like there is so much more to explore.  It is fulfilling to look in the mirror and exciting and nerve wracking to wonder what is ahead of me.   One thing I know…I keep taking steps forward.

our journey is a constant work in progress. If you would have asked me 10 or 20 years ago as to where my dressing is currently...I would have said no way.  It is nice to check some of those dressing up boxes

Oh God YES, Kristen!
To put my story in perspective, I didn’t put on my first dress until I was 31. After that for thirty years it was only sporadic, as I was deeply in the closet, with no one knowing, including my wife (now ex). Why? Many reasons, shame and guilt because of my Christian faith, work, rural area, etc. When I did dress I neither had the knowledge, experience, money, or time to even come close to passing (although I did venture out a few times with some humorous results). So I wasn’t a very pretty woman, not even close. Heck, I didn’t even know who or what I was. I certainly did not know myself as Jules.

I used to only dream of dressing, going out, passing (kind of…lol),and living part time as a women, me, Jules.

Then fifteen years ago I went through an unexpected and sudden divorce. (Nothing to do with my CD, as far as I know). Moving forward I met a wonderful accepting woman, now my beautiful wife, who I told before we tied the knot.

Fast forward, with my wife’s blessing and help amid my male self’s chuckles I have finally the time, money (sort of) to have found myself, Jules.

I love the thrill of transforming from my drab caterpillar into my feminine butterfly. Now when I look in the mirror I see the woman, the happy, confident (sort of), beautiful (in my eyes at least) women I feel I am. And that soft feminine joyful complete women is the one I once dreamed of, doing things she never thought she would. When Jules has her butterfly wings on she soars even higher than I ever thought possible while in that terrible dark confining closet.
Hugs
Jules

I love that story, Jules,  good things come to those that wait.

I had no idea or dream of being were I am now, and can only imagine what the future holds.

I started with panties for just a few minutes as that was all I could handle. I had no plan to fully dress.  It was an experiment to see if it would stop the feelings that came over me with just panties for a few minutes.  I ended up fully dresses in "borrowed " clothes hoping that my desires would stop.

I now own an ever expanding wardrobe that gets to see the light of day out in public every day after work and on every weekend.  I am looking for ways to move my clothing choices into work as well. At this rate I will own no male clothing and everyone I know will know about my fashion choice.

It does not seem to be out of the realm of possibility to talk to Doctor about other options.  I am terrified of going even further.  But then 4 Yeats ago I did not own any clothes of my own, and never thought I would be getting waxed, woried about washing instructions, fussing over mascara, lipstick, and have a beauty routine.

This is the great thing about life, if you are open for what comes up you never know were you will end up.

Paula

This sounds like my 1st makeover and photo shoot.  Pretty much a life changing event.  The reflections in the mirror....the 100+ photos....stunning!  What I was seeing wasn't an illusion....that attractive woman was me.  Looking good breeds confidence.  I knew there was no way I could stay hidden.  It was the beginning of a new chapter.....

I couldn't have imagined on that fateful day where my journey would take me.  Joined CDH.  Made hundreds of new friends.  Socialize with dozens.  Got comfortable in my own skin.  Tried on a few labels.  None stuck....until I got to trans.  Now I'm 18 months into transition and living a life I never thought possible.

If I had a crystal ball 30+ years ago I would've done this way sooner!

Good makeup and good photos CAN change your life....

/EA

I would dream but never thought I would be where I am today, just shows dreams can come true.

Jennifer,

It is indeed a very exhilarating, feminine feeling that washes over you when you finally realize that you can dress as a passable woman.

For me the moment when I decided that I could be a passable woman was last April when I tried on my first wig. Before putting it on for the first time, I put on a nice dress and some lipstick. After putting the wig on I walked to a room with a floor to ceiling mirror, saw the attractive lady looking back, actually muttered "oh my" and sat down and stared at myself for 20 minutes. I then decided that the world was going to meet Fiona and I was out in public a few days later. I haven't looked back since and now live virtually my entire life dressed as a woman.

And if you had told me at some point in the past that I would be doing this I would have asked you what you were smoking. It had never crossed my mind that going out en femme was even remotely possible.

Fiona

Jennifer, I can imagine the high you were on from your photo session. You had much more than a pink fog you were deep in the pink soup.
I know for me 10 years ago when I sometimes spent the afternoon crossdressing in the house often connected with arousal I would feel MUCH shame and relief at the same time.
Then it was 4 years ago this month I started dressing in fem almost every night. By fall I had been caught cross dressing, and moved at a dizzying speed down the CD road. Now had my hair colored 3 times as Cassie, had my nails done at a salon at least 7 times, gone to sing as Cassie at my mother's grave for the last 2 mother's day and even gone to my HS class reunion as Cassie.
If someone would have told me I was going to do all this 10 years ago I would look at them as if they were totally insane.

BUT here I am as Cassie and loving it!!!!!

The short answer is no. I am temporarily in a two steps back pattern, but it’s nothing serious. My wife is considering attending a Crossdresser event as my date, which is hard to believe, and I may need seeing to believe it anyway. It’s been a long hard journey and it’s still difficult. One of you mentioned that money makes it easier and I concur. I have way more items than I ever imagined for sure. My marriage counselor asked what else gives me the same pleasure as dressing up. Really, in terms of a visceral gut feeling, nothing does. I have things in my life that are more important to me, but there is something thrilling that lingers for days after a great adventure. Hope to see you all with my date someday soon!

We all are hoping for the best outcome for you, Melinda.