Gratitude

I have a lot of negative emotions and feelings about coming out later in life that I am working through. I think it is important for me to continue to reconcile and work to understand those emotions, but I have a tendency to dwell on the negative. I find myself forgetting that coming out was right and honest and real.

When I start to live in that negative space for too long, I need to take a step back and think of a positive. Think of one the 100s of moments of laughter or pride or joy and take the time to celebrate those moments and feelings.

Today I celebrate gratitude.

I am grateful for all of the love and support I have received since coming out. There are so many people that have sincerely told me that they are happy for and proud of me and that genuine sincerity makes me feel safe.

I am grateful for the people that stood closest to me, through all my steps, missteps, and doubts as I came out, got divorced and started to try and figure out who I am. I don’t know where I would be without their support and understanding.

Finally, I am grateful that I found courage. I knew who I really was for years, but was too afraid to live that life. Finding that courage set me on the path to where I am today. My journey is far from over, but I am grateful for the progress I have made so far and am excited for what lies ahead.