100Th Post Celebration!

I have spent a lot of time thinking of what this post would be about. I really did not want to do just another post for my 100th post. So I asked Master what He thought. He pretty much allows me to blog about whatever I want, only making occasional suggestions. So, in His own way, He encouraged me to come up with a topic. So, I have come up with one I think is a good one.
What have I learned about myself and my role in this type of dynamic over the past nine and a half years? How have I grown? What do I hope to continue learning with Master as we embark on this next nine years?
I have learned so much under Master's gentle guidance over the past almost ten years. I have learned to embrace my inner self. When I first met Master, I was, in many ways, still a scared girl who was not completely over an abusive relationship. I have overcome that feeling of self doubt. I have learned so much once I opened myself up to it.
It is well known within our circle of lifestyle friends that I was the one who introduced Master to this lifestyle, or at least brought it to His attention that this lifestyle was out there, it was real, and it can be lived within a loving relationship.
In doing so, I realized it was safe to open myself up to this again. I learned it was ok to trust someone with this part of me again. Master has shown me that not all people will take advantage of this side of me.
I have learned to fully accept my inner slave. In past relationships, I shunned the full slave within myself. I shut down and blocked parts of myself from those around me, those who claimed to love me.
In accepting this, I have learned that the lifestyle is about so much more then just indulging in the fetishes. I have learned how a relationship can flourish when a Dominant is really dedicated tot he submissive. I have learned that being in a 24/7 relationship dynamic is so much more then a 24/7 sexual relationship.
Under Master's gentle guidance, I have learned to strike a balance between the sexual and nonsexual aspects of the dynamic. I have learned the service aspect of the relationship is just as important as the sexual.
Master has helped me come into my own as an independent woman, but also as a slave. Master has shown me it is ok to admit I do not know something or I am not sure how to do something. He has shown me it is ok to ask for help and to lean on Him when I need to. He has reaffirmed to me that slaves are still human and not perfect machines. In His own way, He has shown me that the imperfections are not something to be ashamed of but something to admit and learn from.
I have learned that a submissive or a slave is only as strong as her Dominant, and vice versa. I have learned to speak up for what I want and need. How can Master know what it is I need to make me happy if I do not speak up?
I have learned that this is not an all or nothing lifestyle. There needs to be a balance, and once we found that balance, things have blossomed.
I have learned the difference between a wanna be Master and a true Master. A true Master does not have to force His will on a submissive, for the submissive knows His true heart and will follow willingly. I have learned the difference between a wanna be submissive and a true submissive and slave's heart. A true submissive or slave does not misbehave just to receive discipline, for the thought of misbehaving and letting her Master down is enough to enforce proper behavior. A true slave will follow her Master everywhere with no argument and will only be truly happy when He is.
I have learned to read Master's heart, to know what He wants and needs. I have learned I am happiest when I am making Him happy. I have learned, under Master's hand, that the biggest compliment I can give Him is through my behavior and my representation of Him in public. I have learned that not all Dominants are the same. Just as every submissive is different, every Dominant is different as well. I have learned that a true Master will alter His style and His demeanor dependent on the submissive's needs and abilities.
I hope over the next few years to continue to learn and grow into the submissive and slave Master wants me to be, and the slave He deserves to have. I hope to continue to learn how to make things easier for Him on His side of the proverbial leash. I hope to continue to learn how to strike and cultivate that balance between the sexual and nonsexual, the balance between the alternative and the vanilla.
My greatest hope and wish as we continue along our journey, as I continue to grow and learn in my submission to Him, is that I continue to learn and act in ways that make Him happy and make Him proud to call me His.
I am now, as I have always been, Master's girl, with Him owning my heart, mind, body, and soul. I know I can trust Him with the gifts I have given Him, just as He knows He can trust me to never tarnish those gifts He has given to me.