Emily,
It takes a lot of us a long time to get here. I myself at 55 am still trying to figure it all out. Only advice I can think to give you is that above all else….BE KIND TO YOURSELF. We have spent so much of our lives in the shadows. Feeling less then adequate. Self loathing, Self doubt, Worry …about who would think what. Social and personal criticism’s that effect us way more then they should. Over time all this just simply rips apart one’s soul to complete destruction of the life that struggles from within to find happiness a purpose and some sort of contentment. I use this forum as a place to learn from other’s. I haven’t been here very long but I have good feelings about the few friendship’s I have managed to find. I’d enjoy conversing with you more.
Allison