Right now … I’m Melissa, 48 yo, cis-gender female, struggling in a complicated heterosexual partnership which is beginning to feel more stressful than not yet which makes me so sad when I consider leaving it. At the same time, I’m embracing my identity and profession more than ever as a firefighter after having recently transferred to a new department at this later stage of my career. I’m SO thankful to have left the other (toxic) environment behind and to have this opportunity to revitalize this aspect of my life. I feel proud to call myself a firefighter again! And I’m embracing the identity of female firefighter since I’m working with other women firefighters for the first time in a long time which is such a cool thing about this new department. I’m also working with many younger firefighters so I’m facing the challenge of wondering if I’m good enough or strong enough as my body changes with age and perimenopause. However, overall I feel supported and encouraged by my new coworkers. My identity is more than this of course … I’m also a runner, a beach lover, a deep thinker, and more. Pleased to meet everyone … and thank you Nic for this space and for the work you share.
Right now … I’m Melissa, 48 yo, cis-gender female, struggling in a complicated heterosexual partnership which is beginning to feel more stressful than not yet which makes me so sad when I consider leaving it. At the same time, I’m embracing my identity and profession more than ever as a firefighter after having recently transferred to a new department at this later stage of my career. I’m SO thankful to have left the other (toxic) environment behind and to have this opportunity to revitalize this aspect of my life. I feel proud to call myself a firefighter again! And I’m embracing the identity of female firefighter since I’m working with other women firefighters for the first time in a long time which is such a cool thing about this new department. I’m also working with many younger firefighters so I’m facing the challenge of wondering if I’m good enough or strong enough as my body changes with age and perimenopause. However, overall I feel supported and encouraged by my new coworkers. My identity is more than this of course … I’m also a runner, a beach lover, a deep thinker, and more. Pleased to meet everyone … and thank you Nic for this space and for the work you share.