Well Lived

I recently shared an article on FB about model Lea T on the cover of Brazil Elle magazine.

I find these kinds of things to be significant advances in the ongoing socio/cultural battle of validation, similar to the recent participation of Chaz Bono on DWTS.  I grew up at a time when the only possible way I'd see anything remotely resembling trans anything was once or twice a year when Phil Donahue would have a show on it.  And even then, the topics and the depictions were stereotypical, unflattering and other than simply letting me know that there were others like me out there they probably did as much harm as good.

Fast forward to today, when we're taking an active role in all aspects of our social fabric, not simply as trans people but as men and women (regardless of surgical status!) who also happen to be trans.  It's amazing.

This discussion of what constitutes a "real" man or woman, or who is trans anything and who is not, can quickly devolve into a pissing match were everyone gets wet and someone feels they need to "win" because they see things differently.  I generally avoid stepping in that pile because my feelings on it are pretty clear.  And they haven't changed.  If anything, they've solidified....

I also shared some information on the CNN Dialogues event in Atlanta that I'll be doing next week (details here).  It's a live event - the 3rd (and last) in the series - that CNN describes as "a series of community discussions on major topics shaping our times, led by leading thinkers of the day".

I'm looking forward to this.  I like the fact that it's going to be live - there's a unique dynamic of a live event that's unlike anything else.  Anyway, if you're in the Atlanta area and cat attend I think it will be well worth the time.  It should be interesting.

I've felt kinda "blah" this weekend.  Not mentally - but physically.  The wear and tear of losing weight to get down to my weight-class gets sapping once it gets to a certain point.  Needless to say, I'm at that point.  I remember last time how yucky the last week or 10 days was.  Here we are again.  As of yesterday I was within an hour in a plastic suit of my limit.  I expect I'm not there any more as I had a wonderful dinner with friends that helped to add some much needed energy.

I'm going to need it.  I'm here this week.  I've got a quick cross-country trip (flights, thankfully) this weekend.  I fly to Atlanta next Wednesday for the CNN event.  I fly to Dallas Thursday, I do weigh-in's on Friday, the US Open Women's Nationals happen all day Saturday, then I fly home on Sunday.  Oy.

I was talking with a friend about all of this recently.  My life is more full now than it has ever been.  My career, my interests, physically, mentally and spiritually, important relationships in my life - all are blossoming right now.  I keep thinking that things will slow down but they rarely do and even then, only for a while.  And the energy that it takes to keep it up always seems to find a way to recharge itself.

Back to the beginning of this post - the article on Lea T.  I've said for as long as I can remember that this journey for me has been all about embracing life rather than enduring it and the opportunities to do that have never been greater.  Donna was forced to hide for a long, long time and in some very real ways I suppose I'm trying to fit a lot of life into a relatively little bit of time.  I don't necessarily need to understand it or explain it or rationalize it - it just is.

Once all is said and done I hope that my epitaph will be a short one:  "A life well lived."  It really is that simple.  That's easier to achieve when you're not afraid, or when you can keep your fear in perspective.  I like to think I do that pretty well.