Today I explain how the biggest hardship in my life became my greatest gift. For a long time, I wished I could have been born into the correct body. It was my singular, leading goal for as long as I can remember, but it was being denied this wish that my true gift was unlocked.

Mentioned in the episode today is Alok V Menon, an outstanding author, poet and speaker. I encourage you to learn more about them - you might just learn a thing or two about gender. (@alokvmenon)

Coming Into Your Own is a one-man show, written, producer, edited, and recorded by Carter-James.

Connect with Carter-James now @carterjamesvg

On this episode, I share my personal experiences with gender dysphoria. I do my best to explain how it feels in comparison to other body hating issues that come along during puberty.

Gender dysphoria can feel overwhelming and insurmountable. Take your time. Be safe. You aren't alone in feelings these things.

If you think you might need help, there are people who are ready to assist you. Below are some resources for you - Trans Lifeline is a great one.

• Trans Lifeline (a crisis & peer-support hotline, staffed by trans people, for trans people):
  • U.S. (877) 565-8860
  • Canada (877) 330-6366. 
• Queer support line in BC: https://www.qchat.ca/
• Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868 (French/English/Arabic)
• Black Youth Helpline:1-833-294-8650 (9AM – 10PM ET)
• Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
• Pflag Canada (parents who wished to help themselves and their family members understand and accept their LGBTQ2S children) : 1-888-530-6777

Coming Into Your Own is a one man operation, and is written/producer/edited by Carter-James (@carterjamesvg)

Journaling was never for me. I'm more of a note-taker than anything else.

I jot down passages, and thoughts of the books I read, but it always has the underlying purpose of accumulating knowledge or expanding my mind - of consuming information, rather than playfully creating something new.

It wasn't until I spoke with Kate that I realized what I was missing.

Creative journal helps us reconnect with our inner-child, increases creativity, and end thought-spirals, just to name a few benefits. It is an excellent tool to have in your arsenal and is certainly worth a try.

If you've ever been curious about the benefits of journaling, or are looking to upgrade your journaling practice, this is the episode for you!

Kate is a fabulous artist who is daring to be vulnerable while building a life that looks to connect us by rekindling our creative spark. To learn more about Kate & her work, check out the links below:

- Kate's Website: kateaudreystudio.com
- Kate on TikTok: @thekateaudrey
- Kate on IG: @thekateaudrey
- Kate's FB Group: The Creative Journaling Community
- The video mentioned in the episode: Creative Journaling 101
- Kate's Studio on IG: @kateaudreystudio
- Kate's Studio on TikTok: @kateaudreystudio

Coming Into Your Own is a one-person operation run by Carter-James. 

Connect with Carter-James:
- on IG @carterjamesvg
- on TikTok @carterjamesvg
- on Linktree @carterjamesvg
- on IG Threads @carterjamesvg