For Everyone

A word from our sponsor:

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I notice from time to time that people will post something personal here that shows them as vulnerable and alone. Loneliness and insecurity are companions that seem to take pleasure in double teaming us when we are at our most vulnerable. This is not just a trans issue nor is it a hormone or a sexual orientation issue. It is about feeling alone, abandoned, unwanted, unneeded, or forgotten.

If you are feeling these issues, you have my deep sympathy and I would like to offer you some unsolicited advice on how to overcome it.

Volunteer.

Whether you tutor children, read at the public library, become a mentor, visit an assisted-living facility, help out at a hospital, there is an endless need for volunteers in the world. There is something unique about you that can help some other human being through their own personal crises, and in helping them you help yourself.

You do have something to offer others. You do have the time to help (we all have too much free time as it is, that's why we waste so much feeling sad). You are a unique individual and you never know when you might be able to connect with some poor soul where everyone else has failed.

As Nike says, "Just Do It!"

Please do not think this is a criticism or a way to belittle your own pain, but I see so many people who respond with supportive comments that are well short of anything tangible. This is an online forum, there is so much we can say but so little we can do. If you are transitioning, alone, sad, feeling unloved, feeling you look like a freak, whatever....there are people suffering in life all around you who will happily accept you as you are just for the comfort of connecting with another human being. All prejudices and preconceptions begin to die in a nursing home. When we are faced with the end of our lives, we learn just how much we wasted on stupid notions.

Just my opinion, but before you consider the ending of your own life, please please please consider doing something positive to enrich someone else's life.

waif

Comments

Volunteerism

I can confirm that working for others can be vital in improving one's sense of well being.

For an out transgender person that can be problematic, but hopefully you can find a place to serve. In the past, I have been quite busy volunteering but have been without transportation so it is difficult right now.

Gwen

Sacrifice

waif's picture

It is definitely a sacrifice. It is also a great way to put your own problems into perspective. As for being an out transgender person, I agree that a lot of older people will say and do many things that are problematic, but usually, it is thoughtless rather than intentional and the vast majority are just thrilled to have someone that cares around to help break up the dullness of their lives.

waif

Be kind to those who are unkind, tolerant toward those who treat you with intolerance, loving to those who withhold their love, and always smile through the pains of life.

It may be hard to find their

It may be hard to find their niche for transgender persons to help youngsters and elders while pets, nature and earth in general need our hands, our time and our love no matter who and what we are.

There is Something...

waif's picture

...for everyone. There are so many opportunities to volunteer and so many unfilled needs in the world.

Be kind to those who are unkind, tolerant toward those who treat you with intolerance, loving to those who withhold their love, and always smile through the pains of life.