Transcending with Debbie Louise Cannon

Transformation Coach Debbie Louise Cannon

A fabulous inspiration and underground motivation, I have had the pleasure of knowing Debbie Louise Cannon for many years. Debbie is a Transformation Coach who has been going through her own transgender transition since July 2012. I find Debbie super fabulous and am inspired by her positive energy and outlook.

Debbie was wonderful enough to agree to be interviewed not only on my Fabulous Show, but also right here exclusively for TGForum.

You are a Transformation Coach! What does that mean?

It means that I work with people to help them overcome their main fears, obstacles that are preventing them from following their truth, or to empower them and thus transform their lives.

What are some of the things you have helped people work through and overcome?

Eating disorders (I’ve had bulimia myself), alcoholism, loneliness, gender dysphoria, wanting to commit suicide, fear of living as themselves and depression.

I’m most proud of preventing people from committing suicide. Knowing that some folks are alive today because I was the person they turned to and had the right response, or even just because I listened is an extremely powerful thing. Life is the most beautiful gift you can give anyone.

Your posts on social media are inspirational and motivating. Most people can hardly get themselves out the front door in the morning, but you’re taking walks in the woods talking to your Instagram friends. Where do you find the motivation to keep yourself positive?

I find it easier to remain positive if I’m being positive myself. Plus I find you reap what you sow, the more positive you are, the more positive energy you attract and the more positivity the universe sends your way. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Why do people need coaching?

I think most people are lost as they don’t fit in. There’s so much pressure on us all to confirm and when we don’t people feel lost. The truth is once we’re trying to conform we’re already lost. If you live your truth you’re actually going to be more fulfilled than you ever will be. I also think people need others to see the greatness they have within themselves. I have many coaches myself and we learn far quicker when we learn from someone else rather than trying to figure it out for ourselves.

So many people in the Transgender Community (not to mention every other community) are really deflated and down on themselves. What’s the first step to getting ourselves out of a personal dark funk?

The most important thing is to remember that a star needs darkness in order to shine. Life really is full of ups and downs. It’s about recognizing and celebrating the good times, and rather than question “why me?” when times are tough — it’s all about looking for the lesson that the universe is trying to teach you. You’re not given anything that you can’t handle!

I would also say too often we want to brush negativity away. Negativity can be a good thing. I say embrace the lesson rather than the situation and then look at how you can adapt to the learning. Feeling is healing!

You started your actual transition in 2012, but like most people it was one of those never-ending struggles. What was the hardest part of transition for you?

I want to give you 2 answers as I can’t separate them in terms of importance. My mother telling me she never wanted to see me again was tough, it still hurts now and no matter how much time passes knowing I’ll never hug my mother again hurts like nothing else. I forgive her though because she is grieving the son she has lost. I hope one day she will get over that loss enough to embrace the daughter she has gained.
The second thing is coming to terms with myself. Transition isn’t just about how you present to the world and others. Nor is about others accepting you, it’s about you accepting yourself and all your flaws and realizing that as you’re new to this, you’re going to make mistakes. And that’s okay. Nobody is perfect and as long as you are well intentioned toward yourself and others then that goes a long way. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with just that.

What does #Transisbeautiful mean to you?

It means that we’re all beautiful — each and every one of us. I don’t care what your gender expression is, or what you look like. Expressing one’s true self is the most beautiful thing you can do.

When we talked on my Fabulous Show we discussed in detail how amazing I think you are, because you are OUT in all facets of your life. As in, you regularly confront folks if they seem to be put off by the possibility of you being transgender. Give us some advice on how to fiercely go forward and not hide our true selves in day to day life?

I love who I am and who I see in the mirror, so that helps. When I first transitioned I would be scared that some would be able to “read me.” Whereas now I’m not bothered by it. I think time definitely helps though. It’s the old confidence/competence loop; the more you do something the more confident you become. I would also say to call people out when they misgender you. Most will apologize and ensure they go overboard to get your gender right.

It happened to me literally this morning. I’ve taken up running again after a 10 year absence and I’m getting much fitter and stronger and wanted to get some decent running shoes. So, I went to a specialist shop. I ran on a treadmill and they showed me many products and helped with shoes. Other customers came in and the man serving me asked them to mind the gentleman! I mean, I may be 6 feet tall but I also have 38B boobs! I called him out on it and he couldn’t apologize enough. Most people don’t want to offend, so call it out.

If there was only ONE BIG THING that could be completely solved on planet Earth, what would you like that to be?

Any form of bigotry, if you got rid of that the rest of the problems would go away!

Visit & Follow Debbie on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or visit her at transcendingwithdlc.com.

Want more fabulous discussion between Debbie & Artist D? Watch Artist D’s Fabulous Show in archive at YouTube.

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Tags: debbie louise cannon, featured, life coach, theartistd, transformation coach, Transition

Category: Transgender Body & Soul, Transgender Opinion