Happy New Year - How has your BDSM year been?

I have always found it to be a good exercise to look at things in retrospect, so as I am writing what is probably the last post of 2008 I ask myself; What has happened during 2008?

First of all, we started this blog as an extension of the things we do on the Island of Pain in Second Life and to explore and reflect BDSM in real life as well. It has turned out to work very well and in November it had almost 4.500 visitors – A big thank you to you all!

The Island of Pain community in Second Life has grown dramatically since September, when I decided to open up the group to everyone.

Island of Pain In Second Life is now run by a council, rather than one single person, which has infused the  whole community with some great energy and a will to move things ahead.

We opened up the In For Life prison island, targeted at BDSM play in a harsh prison environment – The start went splendid and then I had to stay off SL for a while due to major real life changes, so things slowed down – But In For Life will be relaunched in January 2009, with new systems that will keep your prisoners in place.

My life has changed dramatically since August when an unexpected turn of events made me literally crash, but I also have some great friends that cared for me and were genuinely concerned – Thank you Dane and Delicia, words cannot explain how grateful I am for your support and help.

Cloud – You also supported me on many levels as I talked to you about serious matters, and it took me a while to see what I see in you today, it’s easy to see past things due to a fear that creates a sort of blindness – But those blind days are over.

Diana – You have been a great friend of mine since I started out with Palace of Pain, which later became the Island of Pain. You have continuously contributed to the community in so many ways with your readings and your ideas. Who would have guessed that when all you wanted to be was a slut for rent.

AllSmiles – You also showed up when things were quite dark and became a bright beacon, you and I have led each other through rough periods in life as we are taking turns when comes to holding up the guiding light.

My personal BDSM journey has been intensified during 2008, I’ve been to places and done things that I wouldn’t dream of 10 years ago – And it has all been a pure joy and I hope it will continue to be like this – BDSM has made me love and care for more people, it has taken me to places in the world that I have never been to before but most important of them all; It has made me grow as a person. BDSM to me requires a great deal of love for it to work, and that comes with a risk of being hurt, but I will always be willing to take that risk – To love someone is to allow yourself to be exposed to the danger of being emotionally hurt, but honestly what are the alternatives?

I would rather be emotionally hurt and feel that I have lived a life with happiness and joy, than hide to live an emotionally secluded life – Life is lived to its fullest when we put ourselves at risk.

To Everyone I have mentioned and to Everyone I have forgot to mention: I love you all and I will see you in 2009!