I remember a conversation we had a few years ago—one I’ve thought about often. You shared with me your hopes about transitioning, and I promised then to support you in whatever path you chose. I also made a commitment to check back in, to ask you some of the same questions we explored together that night. You might recall that I asked whether you thought transitioning would ease the sadness, loneliness, or depression you were feeling at the time. You believed it would bring you the fulfillment and happiness you were looking for, and I wanted so much for that to be true for you.

At the time I also asked you to consider, “What if it doesn’t?” I suggested you work on your inner happiness first, on finding some peace with yourself before making a choice as significant as this one. I know you perused the transition, I don’t know where you are on that journey now, but I’d like to know. Have things become clearer for you? Has your life begun to feel more joyful and connected? Have you found some of the peace and fulfillment you hoped this path might bring?

In my own life, I’ve learned that happiness, while precious, can be fleeting. It’s easy to spend a lifetime chasing it, thinking that if we just find the right thing, or do the right thing, we’ll finally capture it for good. But happiness often comes and goes, and trying to hold onto it alone can be exhausting. Joy, however, is different. True joy doesn’t depend on circumstances; it’s something that stays with us even when life feels uncertain or difficult. Joy isn’t about having or becoming—it’s about being at peace with where you are and embracing life with a sense of gratitude and purpose.

This might sound like the advice of an old and out of touch man, perhaps a bit too philosophical or detached from today’s world. But it’s not just words—I genuinely believe there’s truth here. Joy grows from finding purpose and learning to cherish what we have rather than longing for what we don’t. When we let go of the “if-onlys” and accept life as it is, we can start building a peace that’s enduring. And that peace is so much more than fleeting happiness; it’s a foundation for a life well-lived.

If you don’t believe me about joy, I encourage you to test my words. Explore what it means to seek joy from within rather than chasing external sources of happiness. See how it feels, and then let me know what you discover. Your insights matter to me, and I’m here to listen and learn from your experiences.

The best way to find joy is by discovering and pursuing your life’s purpose. When you identify what truly drives you and dedicate yourself to it, joy often follows naturally. For me, my purpose is serving God to make the world a better place, and my work brings me immense joy and fulfillment. I encourage you to reflect on what your own purpose might be and to pursue it wholeheartedly. It can be a powerful source of contentment and meaning in your life.

More than anything, I want you to thrive. I want you to live a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and enduring joy. While I can’t walk your path for you, please remember that you don’t have to walk it alone. I’m here to support you, to lift you up when you stumble, and to stand by your side through every step of your journey.

The choice is yours, and whenever you’re ready, I’m here.

Excerpt

A father’s heartfelt letter to his transgender daughter, reflecting on past conversations about happiness, transitioning, and finding enduring joy through purpose. He shares insights on embracing joy over fleeting happiness, encouraging her to discover her life’s purpose, just as he finds joy in making the world cyber safe.