19

It's my rezday -- 19 years in this virtual world.

It was a rough year. Maybe one of the toughest in all this time. Personally, professionally and medically. Everything came together at once and made me struggle a lot. But I am not here to complain. I am here because I made this year. Even though I’m not through it yet, and won't be for who knows how long... or ever... it reminded me that we are stronger than we think.

Going through all of this almost made me give up SL entirely. I have never been closer to walking away than in this past year.

Back then, I just did whatever I felt like in SL, whatever I enjoyed. And yes, I found people who liked it too, which is how my shop was born.

But for a long time now, it’s just been about chasing sales and events, making sure to earn something. I stopped making what I love and started creating just hoping it would sell. That mindset burns you out, it destroys all creativity and joy.

I want to find my way back to that joy. Because I truly believe you can see it in the things I create. I know SL has changed a lot and the competition is huge. I know most people (or so it seems) only care about perfect and flawless. That’s just not me, and I’m tired of trying to be.

I never wanted SL to be realistic. Our world is realistic. SL always had its own unique "SL charm". So, I want to go back to a lighter, more unburdened time (we have enough heavy stuff in RL). I want to create things without constantly worrying about who will like it, or who might tear it apart.

I hope some of you will join me on this journey.

Thanks for reading. I'd love to hear your thoughts and maybe even a bit about your own journey.