On the 22nd of October 2022, I had an unexpected surprise waiting in my email inbox. It had been over a year since I last heard from the Gender Identity Clinic (GIC), so seeing their name pop up caught me off guard. Little did I know that this email would bring both nerves and excitement as it revealed two upcoming appointments with the GIC. These virtual meetings were scheduled as follows:

1. 1st November 2022 with Dr. McGregor-Jonson

2. 30th November 2022 with Dr. Gurleen Bhatia

Upon reading the email, I felt a rush of emotions. A part of me was thrilled that progress was being made in my journey, but another part of me felt anxious and unsure. It had been quite some time since I last engaged with the GIC, and the suddenness of the appointments caught me off guard. Questions flooded my mind – What would we be discussing? What should I expect from these sessions? Would I be prepared enough?

With the first meeting only a week and a half away, I couldn’t help but let my mind spiral into overthinking mode. I’m no stranger to this feeling; whenever faced with new and uncertain situations, my mind tends to race with possibilities, fears, and doubts. It was as if my old friend “anxiety” had returned for an unwelcome visit.

But amidst the nerves and uncertainty, I knew deep down that these appointments were essential steps on my journey. Facing new challenges is a part of life, and this was another hurdle I needed to overcome. It was time to gather my courage and embrace the unknown. So, I decided to approach the situation with a positive outlook. I reminded myself that these appointments were opportunities to gain valuable insights, seek guidance, and move forward on my path to living as my authentic self.

As the days counted down to the first appointment, I found comfort in knowing that I wasn’t alone in this. Many others have faced similar situations and emerged stronger on the other side. I decided to view these appointments as stepping stones towards greater self-understanding and empowerment.

In the coming weeks, I’ll share my experiences from each of these Zoom meetings in separate blog posts. I hope that by documenting my journey, I can not only find solace in self-expression but also provide encouragement to others who may be navigating their paths of self-discovery. With each new challenge, I learn and grow. So, here’s to facing the unknown with courage and an open heart. Onwards we go!