[MissC]

I think the "be happy with yourself" approach is only feasible when people are truly happy with themselves.

So, you can't be happy until you're happy?

I spent -- wasted -- a lot of my younger years being angry with everyone, everything, the world. In retrospect, it was because I wasn't happy with myself. That alone cost me dearly -- socially, financially, spiritually.

How did I become happy with myself? I just decided to be. It sounds stupid and trite and cheesy... and no doubt will remind everyone of this old skit...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DIETlxquzY

... but I swear it's the truth.

Otherwise I think people should strive to find ways to improve themselves and their lives to attain some contentment.

Abso-fuckin'-lutely. We all have room for improvement.

My polemics are themed this way -- don't depend on someone to tell you you're okay. Don't think a pill or an operation is going to make your life grand. I see it everywhere, and I'm saddened by it.

This reminds me of a big old elephant in the room. The subject came up a few weeks ago about suicide among trans people. What we never seem to talk about is how the suicide rate is STILL just as high among post-ops. I watched a personal acquaintance return from Thailand a bit lighter, and hit the bottle even more heavily. She's circling the drain, and there ain't a damn thing I can do about it.

It may not be easy to fix one's head first... but it's of supreme importance to do so.