Here is today's philosophy lesson. Courtesy of Confucius:
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
- Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC) Chinese Philosopher

If you are a girl who is anything like me, you will be avidly reading other girls' blogs for any hints and tips you can glean to make your transition flow as smoothly as possible. Below i have shamelessly copied some comments from another girl's blog (I did ask if I could use them!) Chloe is a girl from the USA who is about to travel to South East Asia for her transition. The list was copied from: http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-PMLerugyc6ppA9HkcwFsRUAhk_pYqYGhagHL1vjwQsHE To get full benefit of these hints and tips replace Chloe's name with your own. (The HTML is also correct)

My personal philosophy is if you can use and learn from someone's experiences - JUST DO IT!! Don't reinvent the wheel!

Here are some of the biggest Lessons I have learned: by Chloe Prince

<*>I am not the Transgender Messiah (Thanks JamieGottaGun)
<*>]I am not re-inventing the wheel. (Thanks Gloria Fenton)
<*>]Transition is NOT “All about me”. (Thanks Karissa Marrie)
<*>Never make anyone a priority that has only made me an option. (inspiration of thought thanks to Joe Solmonese of HRC)
<*>Just because someone is Transgendered, doesn’t mean they HAVE to like me. (Thanks Diane Frank)
<*>We are all in this together, but on different paths with different goals and expectations. (Thanks Melissa Pink)
<*>Jealousy is our community’s biggest enemy – I am no exception to this. (Observation)
<*>I am part of a fabric bigger than myself – respect and represent that with dignity for all. (Thanks Cat Turner)
<*>Second chances at a first impression can be changed. (Thanks Jessica Lee and Regan)
<*>The measure of my gender is not in my reflection. (Thanks Leigh Smythe)
<*>]It is ok to error - it is unforgivable to not forgive. (Thanks Wendy Kahr)
<*>Changing perceptions and expounding your mind is part of the process. (Thanks Kristin Reichman)
<*>Enjoy the “early days” and experiment and just be you - revel in the photos later. (Thanks Marsha Clark)
<*>There REALLY IS no “I” in team. (Thanks Debbie Dunkle)
<*>All the Blogs and photos I post, with that and $1.50, I can get a bus ride to down town – remember your priorities. (Thanks Glenda)
<*>Wait 24 hours before clicking the “Send” button. (Thank Melissa Sheridan)
<*>]Feelings have no gender, only truth to their existence, or not. (Thanks Adarabeth Veau)
<*>Even though my wife doesn’t appear to have a husband, my children have a Daddy no matter what I look like or people say. (Thanks Laura-Natalie)
<*>Being the first to say sorry, doesn’t mean your wrong – it makes you guilty of doing right. (Thanks Dawn Votro)
<*>When I think “Why me?”, I should think “Why NOT me!” (Thanks Lacey Kelly)
<*>Coordinate efforts! You don’t have to ALWAYS look your best every time you go somewhere – You can hurt people’s feelings and make them feel under dressed and or bad about themselves instead of having a good time with you. (Thanks Natalie and Sarah)
<*>Express an opinion ONLY when asked – and then, be kind if you do. (Sorry Annie)[
<*>Support others efforts. The spotlight doesn’t always have to be about Chloe. {sigh}
<*>I am free to define who I am –so too are others free to think what they will. (Thanks Monique Monet)
<*>A size Large is always a Small. A size Small is only a demo for the manikin. (Observation)
<*>Say what you feel, not what you mean. ((Observation of the heart)
<*>]Some of the greatest women I have ever known are physically men. (Observation)
<*>You can never really fail; only delay your success. (Observation)
<*>There is no substitute like the real thing (Thank you Marla for being such a great supporter of our community)
<*>Anger is a cry for help… extending a handkerchief can build a bridge. (eh Jasmine?)
<*>Words having no meaning with out the effort behind the pen. (You are still my Hero Barbara Ann!)
<*>You can’t transition on the Internet. (Unknown, but so true…)
<*>Guitar Hero and Rock Band REALLY DO help pass the time. (Thanks Nicole and Glenda Paris)
<*>Hobbies are important – except when you have made that hobby yourself. (Observation)
<*>There really IS happiness on the other side... (Thanks Lori McNeal)
<*>Angels walk and even fly among us if you are willing to see them. (Thanks Denny)
<*>Family, Mom’s & Dad’s aren’t just the ones your born with. (Thanks Steve and Carol, Cheryl & John and Barbara & Ken)
<*>Finally, “GET OVER YOURSELF”! Really! (Thanks to many on this one, especially too Melissa Sheridan, JamieGottaGun, Glenda, Marsha, Kelly McDonald, Teri, Lori_D Karissa Marie.)