I believe it was a July. I don't remember the year.

I was depressed from 15-29. From 19-27 I was in an abusive relationship. Married at 30, kid. Broke until 36. Abusive job for 2 years. Now I have the job I always wanted, financially stable, and lovely home. Hopefully I can keep it up.

Its about now really

When I still had my husband. He was my safety net
and security. He was my best friend and strength.
I never knew what burdens were, I never knew what baggage was. I never knew what worries were.

When I accepted me for my true self..as a transwoman..I knew I was different growing up but couldn't understand why. I read Christine Jorgensens biograhy and I made "sense" to myself finally. At that point I researched GRS surgery. I realised that I wouldn't be able enjoy (or feel) intercourse nor bare children, an important part of my life. I decided to be "Male" instead..which, though having 2 children, was disastrous to all around me that I loved.
After 26 years of failing in all my relationships, self loathing and anger..I came out of my Armoire so to speak..I shedd that skin and all that comes with living a lie. It's been the happiest time of my life so far..

My developmental years, say, the first twelve years of my life, felt whole and carefree, as I recall, but I managed to destroy that pretty completely in the middle years. After a lifetime of effort, two years ago I finished putting all the pieces back together. I have been depression- and anxiety-free for two years now.

Now, in this moment. Went through a lot of years of crisis and now is different. Today I work a job with a mission I love: great benefits, lots of independence, meaningful work. My son is grown so I have no responsibilities. My son and his fiance live with me, will graduate with first degrees in the next 14 months. I've gained a daughter. They will go on to advanced degrees and when they finally settle down, I have a home with them. Good friends, have lived in my home for 15 years, good community, safe. Time for me to care for myself and enjoy the world.

I'm 30-years-old and I feel mentally stable, complete, and I have more clarity than I did 2 years ago. Most of you have heard my story of being in the psych ward because of my abusive ex. I got out and off the medication that I had a bad reaction to. I had gained 30 lbs and when I got off the medication, I lost over 50 lbs. Since I am sick and unable to eat anything that isn't bland food, I will probably lose more weight. I was trying to gain weight though. Grrr...

So very pleased for you! It's a wonderful feeling, especially after it's been so hard-won.

I'm there now. My daughters are adults;one is completely independent. The other lives in a group home because of her cerebral palsy and special needs. WhenI was sick I let my sister-in-law (former) take guardianship so I know if anything happens to me Becky will be well cared for. My ex-husband who rents from me has a nurse come in everyday. He is terminally ill and bedridden most of the time. He gets meals on wheels. Divorced for 20 years he is simply a tenant. I was having trouble living on disability and being able to travel and go out to dinner or social activities. Came up with the idea to share my 5 bedroom house with my other daughter's in-laws. Has worked out well. I'm not alone. If I want to travel I can. If I want to relocate I can do that as well. For the first time in my life I feel free.

Yes. My wife and I had quit our jobs in Los Angeles, sold a bunch of stuff, cashed in a 401k (I was 35 years old) and went to Oregon and lived in the country for 6 months, reading, writing, and hiking. I have a book of memoir and poetry from that time that is available on Amazon. It was wonderful.