"Not everyone has the privilege of being born into a good family, but as one grows, there will be opportunities to build their own support system. This is the nature of growing up. If you lack, or refuse to foster, a strong web of people that you can rely on to both hold you accountable and encourage your development, then you will not get anywhere. It’s up to you to utilize that connection with others." Nika
Thank you to the ones that stayed--despite our differences, despite the troubles we've faced. While others deemed me to be "annoying" and purely unlovable just for being myself, there were two that stayed throughout it all: Kassiel and Nika. I never thought we'd cling on for so long, even after the amount of friends we've lost and the drama we've gotten wrapped around--In the end, I thought the both of you would leave me just as everyone else did. But, you didn't. You listened and you stayed; you looked away from the cruel words others would spew about me and you realized just how wrong they truly were. Sure, I'm annoying, I'm sensitive, emotional, loud, jealous--but, isn't that what makes us human? The both of you have watched me laugh and cry; you've seen me at my lowest; you've had to sit through my incoherent rants, my lengthy posts about my special interests; each and every one of my relationships--yes, even the bad ones; you've witnessed me go through every single phase. All in all, you've practically watched me grow up and turn into who I am today, sticking by my side throughout it all. For that, I thank you again. Words cannot describe just how much I appreciate the two of you.
Now to the ones I've found home in: Crow, Kryssie, Lenny, Oakley, Jay, Ayla, Jade, Baddicus, John, Chris, Kuzzi. How would I describe Albana? If I were to go into depth, I'd be here for hours. So, I'll keep it simple. The day I joined Albana--January 19, 2025--I was afraid of what waited for me here. I asked myself: Was it all going to die down within a month? Will drama occur, causing the server to shut down permanently? Will my characters remain unloved and useless to the story--not a chance to make a name for themselves? Now that months have passed, and as I look back at how I was then, I can firmly say no to each question. In fact, this server is the first server in my entire life that has truly saved me. Late December of 2024-Early February 2025, I struggled greatly with self harm and a multitude of mental health issues. Everyday felt like a nightmare, one that was almost never-ending. However as I participated in every event the server held, talked to you all on a daily basis, and witnessed others actually love and appreciate my original characters, something in me healed. I wish I could get into detail about just how exactly this server saved me, as it's more than just the issues I've listed before, but I feel it isn't appropriate. So, for now I'll leave it like this: The reason why I wake up everyday is because of this server. Before I go to bed I wonder: "What will Albana have in store for me tomorrow?" Before I fall off the deep end, I think to myself--"I cannot let my characters live a life with no ending, no creator that truly understands them to their very core." I've found confidence in my writing and my characters because of every single one of you. Thank you for loving me and my characters just as much as I love you. HERE COMES THE TICKLE MONSTER!