When does transition begin? Does it have a beginning? Or an end? Transition is a process of change, so it never really has a beginning or an end, because change is on-going. Ever since the big bang the universe has been expanding and changing! There is no end.
On a more personal level, your transition began the day you were conceived! What we experience and often think of as a “transition” are cycles or phases of change. These occur at many levels and often at the same time. Our bodies are growing all the time no matter how old you are. Even at the age of 100 your body is growing new cells to replace old ones and this continues till the old ones far outweigh the new ones, then that body dies and the cycle begins again, in a new lifetime. This is all going on while we experience emotional changes, mental changes, and spiritual changes. Transition is multi-dimensional.
For those of us on a gender transition journey, the word “transition” holds unique meaning. For most of us this journey begins when we start on hormones, however I will state that the first stage or cycle is questioning. On my website I have an eleven step transitioning guide that outlines the steps as I see them based on my research and experiences. There could be more or less steps; however, each phase is a transition in itself. Take the hormones for instance; this phase or transition cycle has a specific start and significant steps along the path. For those who have the surgery, the post op regimen will differ greatly from the pre-op cycle and the end is not the same for everyone. Some post op transwomen take hormones the rest of their lives and others will stop taking hormones once they reach a certain age.
The cycles have certain similarities between people, but each person will have specific differences in their transition cycles or phases. Our experiences define us to an extent, but they are not who we are. Life is made up of one experience after another like the layers of an onion, only far more complex. So when does transition begin? It depends on which one you are speaking of and who you are asking! Blessings on your journey of Love 🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth
Oneness Ministry 
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