"How I Survived My Arrival on G.I."
by Lollipop Guild member, Lisa/girl


My arrival was difficult.  i read for many weeks before i began to post.  i was confused by the various "places" on Guardian Island.  i didn't know where to begin, or how to make friends.
 
i posted my introduction, along with the name "girl".  At this time, i didn't feel like having a pretty name.  i opted for something generic and practical.  People asked me right away why i did this, asked me to change it to something nicer.  i didn't.  And didn't let anyone know my real name for some time.
 
i had trouble getting to know people.  Everyone already had their own friends, and as a newcomer, i was lost. i couldn't bring myself to strike up conversations with other people, not wanting to be intrusive.  Guardian Island made me lonely.  Being here was painful.  
 
This was my first experience with getting in touch with ageplay as a phenomenon.  Up to that point, i had only considered aspects of ageplay, but never thought of allowing my innergirl to breathe and live as a whole person.  Letting her exist was terribly hard.
 
i would sit at my keyboard, trying to say something.  Something small, just to let people know i existed... and nothing would come out.  i would cry, tears blurring the screen, and finding nothing to say to express how lonely and lost i was.  i thought about screaming in the Quiet Room just to let everyone know i was there.  My thought turned into someone else's thread, and i left, unnoticed.  i tried to get into some trouble, hoping someone would stop me.  No one did.
 
i wondered if being on Guardian Island was harming my spirit.  The first few months brought little comfort and lots of pain, and yet, i couldn't leave.  Something was holding me there.  
 
Now i know what that was.
 
In time, i made those connections, made those friends, found that support system i needed so much.  It took time.  That time was hard.  But it was worth the investment.  
 
i stopped crying all the time.  
 
When i cry here now, i feel cleansed instead of torn apart.  i have come to know a person i love and missed for much of life.  My littlegirl me.