Today is my first pole-iversary...

It was exactly one year ago today that my pole came in the mail and my journey began. I wanted to share a little of my back story and give thanks. One year ago today, I was in a dark place. I was in a very unhealthy relationship with someone who treated me badly and made me feel terrible about myself. I was just starting my senior year of college. I was basically living celibate and had completely shut the door on my own sexuality; I was literally afraid of my sexy side. And I was filled with a sense of anticipation and fear about what would happen next. Today, I am with the love of my life. I'm with him because, about a year ago in a Friday chat, Clinky told me not to turn my back on someone offering me love. Today, I am comfortable with my sexuality because pole helped me explore it. Today, I go out in short-shorts and boots without worrying about how I look. Today, on my first pole-iversary, I taught my Wednesday pole class, and realized the sexy, confident, strong persona I put forward to my students is the part of myself I found here. Today, I am a college graduate and a full-fledged adult. Today, I am the total package. Today, I am unafraid. I know that, a year ago today, all the pieces were there. This past year of pole has helped me glue them all together. Today, for the first time in my whole entire life, I can say that I am genuinely proud of who I am. And I can say that because of dance, because of community, because of you: my fellow veeners. Thank you for the past year, and for helping me put the pieces together a little more each day. Watch this thread for my pole-iversary gift to you all: a super-special celebration video to commemorate this point in my journey and show you all how grateful I am to have this community in my life. Thank you, studioveena. Thank you, pole dance! I noticed that there is at least one new user posting their first vid here today. For you beginners: hold on, ladies. Pole is one hell of a ride. Hold on tight, and let it take you where it may.