I felt it! I felt that feeling people talk about after coming out! I did not realize I had a such a huge weight on my chest until it was lifted! So crazy! I HAD NO IDEA! I had no clue how bad this secret was holding me down. I really did not believe that I would feel this way. I did not think that being in the closet made me feel so heavy. Hiding all the time, keeping secrets, fear of being outed! This was all weighing on me! Now, I am not lying and I feel more free! I am not constantly scared anymore. A bit over a year ago when I came out to my siblings, I did not fear they would reject me. I have come out to my oldest friend, I did not fear rejection because I do not see them very often. I've come out to random acquaintances, their reaction does not affect my life whatsoever. BUT this was the FIRST time I came out to a friend that I hang out with a lot. Their rejection could hurt my social life! I feared they would hate me! I feared they would hate me for lying! Or not want to hang out with me anymore. Wow, I feel so much less anxiety. Just wanted to share my experience, that's all!
Thanks. I didn't even know that it would help any. Thank you for giving me the hope that it's better to come out.
The positive power of vulnerability to build confidence, self esteem and love for yourself is often perfectly reflected when you come out to others. The more you realize either a) your no worse off for coming out or b) even if the impact was negative you are able to build strength and character the more you progress on your own path towards self actualization. What a great testament on the power of making yourself vulnerable for everyone to read!
That was worded really beautifully! I appreciate your point of view on this topic! Thank you for the affirmation that I am on the right path and growing as a person! I have been working really hard on myself lately!
i came out to my family about being trans over Christmas, went great, except for mom and dad. it is a hugh weight off I agree. now to come out and live my truth in about 2 months.
Awesome! That's exiting! Yeah, better to live authentically than to be hiding all the time just to please others.
sabrinaa, wow, I could have written the first two paragraphs. i just began coming out in January and was caught totally off guard by my reaction, the same as yours. I felt a confidence and strength I never expected and didn't really realize was missing. It was as though I had had a cloud over me my whole life that was suddenly lifted. I never realized how much my secrets were affecting my mood and self-image, in turn affecting how I interacted with others. The last thing I ever wanted to do was have my innermost secrets come out, but doing so was probably the most liberating experience I've ever had. I would say I felt "born again" but someone else already got that phrase ...
