Sweat heart, don't feel like you have to do everything.
We all have points in our lives where we need to just say that we have to stop.
If you need someone to talk to or help, I am here.
You are Not Alone.

I do the same thing i write stories on a life i want to live I understand that mi amigo

We all make our own stories to escape the real world's pain that we've encounter, we're here for you and we'll be by your side to help out.

That goes double for me! I'm always willing to help folks out.

This is a lovely piece, and it is sadly a miserable truth. The older we get the more responsibilities we have but you know what I say? At the end of the day the one that matters is the one staring back at you in the mirror. You need to take care of that one first. If someone says "you cannot do X and Y because that is not what is expected of you" then you have every right to tell them to piss off.

*hugs*

Oh Star... Hugs So Much

some people are just stupid and don't understand that comics rarely reflect reality. I'd say that if everyone had friends and loved ones like star has then the world would be a better place

Yeah everyone always wishes we have someone else's life a lot of us only show the world the best parts but we keep everything else down below my life has so Mitch baggage and its hard to carry sometimes and someone said they wanted my life because it seemed so great when its not always great.. Also Star there is not such thing as a grown up its all a concept I'm never going to grow up lol

Honey, to you, you should be the most important person in your world. It's not selfish, it's self care. You put out so much artwork already. Between my work and school, I still always find time for my hobby: going to the barn. Maybe not as frequently as I like, but I still do it and it makes me happy. AB is the thing that makes you happy, there will always be time somewhere for it if you can allow it to happen.

:c

Even non-ABDLs know the feeling. Inside every 50-yo is a 6-yo wondering what happened.

It okay star. If you need to wind down and if your getting pressed to much just say no and take a break.

<3

*hugs you tight and gives you gentle back and nappy pats* It's okay squigglekitten we all have struggles that eventually make us break like that. It just means you're human and you have needs that need to be given into once in a while. I would help you if I could I really would but we are on opposite sides of the pond and I have no way to come give you the little time you need.

lots of hugs for you.

You are not an adult you are not a kid you are a Kidult with adult money leave the adulting at the door the little space is in your a house/apt.

I'd be down if you ever want to take a break I mean that's just me but I think you deserve it we all need breaks sometimes

-hugs-

*offers you a hug if you want it*

I get this. I go to work and I have to be 'big' and I'm like "This is not fair. I want to play and be smol and be soft and instead I gotta go listen to people bein' mean to each other and I hate it. D:" I understand the feeling entirely.

And if it makes you feel any better, I don't expect anything from you at all. Except perhaps that you take care of yourself and stay safe. But that's all.

Also, it's OK to say "NO." once in a while, too. It's hard to do sometimes, but you can't do everything for everybody...it's just not possible! (Unless like...you find a thing that makes clones of you...but I advise against that...can't trust the clones to not try and steal your identity and run up bills.)

Don't worry Star, We're all hear for you

*cuddles* i feel that that soo much

im here fo ryou hun!

Honestly this is like me. I haven’t been able to. Mentally get into little space for two years nows I’ve been kind of depressed over it. It’s kind of funny cause I know stars world probably doesn’t exist but I’m jealous of her cause she has the option. Anyway.. I get this. I hope it gets better for you

*Gives Star a hug*

Something has to break before you know it’s failing.

*hugs* I am sorry that feels that way. if I can help in anyway let me know. even if you just want daily hugs. I can do that. if you need to vent more, then you can so vent to me. *hugs* your an awesome little sweetie. I remember talking to you like you were full of energy then you were passes out 5 mins later. it was so cute

Hun, It is not always the big big things in ABDL to do. What you do in your art is basically coloring and drawing. If that is all you can do then just do it. Forget what the negativity says. Focus on what YOU can do. We all have a breaking point. We all do. Seriously.

One thing to remember, hun... Somewhere out there, someone is going through the same thing as you. No one is perfect. NO ONE! You are an amazing person. I see you on both sides of the coin so to speak.. The adult and the little one. Sometimes you have to be both and just let be. It is okay to merge and just be yourself.

I never would ever expect you anything more than what you can do. Just do what makes your heart happy.. okay? If you ever need anything.. just let me know. okay? You aren't alone.

i can see that with kris and nightshade :) him trying to be adult her wanting to be a baby

truth is she goes to make it a reality

I feel the same way, especially these days when a WHOLE LOT of people expect a lot out of me - and I can't say no or bad consequences happen on my part. It's a huge giant pain in the padded patookie.

You are not alone.
You are loved.
Everyone that follows you can relate to how you are feeling.

*scoops you up and hugs you tight*

I hear you SO much on that note of folks assuming you have some sort of perfect life based on comics, over-simplified check boxes or things they might be jealous of. Something I think we both share in common is that we hardly ever share bad vibes. By simply not complaining, a lot of folks seem to assume I never experience suffering or strife. I'd bet you've experienced plenty of the same and that hearing that assumption so many times has been agitating.

What makes your position so unique is that you're so significantly prominent in a constantly active community. Combine that with the responsibilities and roles you take on and the expectations so many must have and it's no surprise to me that this is the way you feel.

I hope you make your needs known. I've witnessed in person how much of a contributive and outgoing person you can be, but so much of that becomes unfulfilling if you're not satisfying your own needs, or even just the things that could make your life easier. I'll always be cheering you on and I'm looking forward to the next time we see each other!

I hope you got to trick or treat

If you find yourself in a dilemma, you might want to seek council from people you know and love. Remember that you're not alone and choice is possible. I'm reminded of the priority "Study first, party later".

You are allowed to ask for help, sweetheart.
Nobody, absolutely nobody, is sufficient to handle everything, all by themselves, always.
I am absolutely certain that you have people in your life who can take some of the strain of being the responsible adult in the room off of you. That doesn’t mean you’re giving up, or failing any of the people who depend on you. It means you are recognizing that you have take care of yourself, too.
I want you to think for a minute, honey, about those oxygen masks, on airplanes. What do they always tell you?
“Please fasten your own , before attempting to help those near you.”
They tell you that, because you’re no use to anyone, if you’re not meeting your own needs. In fact, you’re likely to become a liability to those around you, if you aren’t taking care of yourself.
I can tell you from experience, how easy it is to fall down the self-sacrifice rabbit hole. And I promise you it’s no Wonderland down here. Just a painful, frightening drop with a sudden stop.
So...take time for yourself. Make space for your needs, and defend it. Defend your own little self, with all the same energy and commitment that you give to others. And when you need help meeting commitments, in order to defend that space, then ask for it. No matter what your inner critic might say, there is absolutely nothing weak, or cowardly, or lazy, or selfish, or otherwise wrong with asking for support when you need it.
Quite the contrary.
It shows that you, my dear, are a wise, self-aware, brave, and clever girl, and that you give your support circle the same trust, that they give you.
*hug*
Now...get a good meal (no junk food!), a nice hot bath, and some well-deserved rest.
And remember how much you are loved, sweetheart.

*hugs both Gemmy and Star*

Lots of Love QwQ

You can't what? Can't say no to that face? C'mon, just say yes.

Sorry love, I glad you have a place to vent though, hope you feel more like yourself soon

I am so so sorry you fight this mirror.
The world wanting so much and the more you fight in the hopes that when the battle is done and hardwork complete you are in the clear for much deserved play time only to see the line has just begun.

I hope you can find a way to take a breath, remember those who love you and take a moment or three and enjoy a slice of fun. I wish I had better advice or a good suggestion to give.

I love you Star and I know tons of people love you, want you to succeed and be happy and have fun! If you need to take a break to recoop or just take a breather please do so! this world is too scary to always be charging in.

*hugs you tight*

Star if you need a little day then go ahead. We don't mind if we miss a day of a comic. If it means you are feeling happy then we totally understand.

I take and make time, mind you single dad powers activate for my lil lynxy spawn! As well as when they are not around make time to play in other ways... Maybe ya need to cram it into your schedule for some you time where you do what you want? I mean it is up to you to take care of you! :3

It's like being in the past and meeting yourself...

I know how you feel sweetheart *hugs*

On Furaffinity people usually fall into 1 of two categories; pampered brats with nothing better to do (like me) or people with tough pasts looking for escapism (like you).

But the fact that you can be so productive and post something almost every other day does prove you have plenty of time to do what you love.

I hope Paul was feeling better so he could hug you and tell you how much you mean to him and how you are a brave and sweet little girl.

This one hit me pretty hard, i try so hard to get into little space and just let everything go but it just doesnt happen. I hope we can both regress with ease someday.
*hugs*

Over the last week I found out about your work through a separate forum and indulged myself in both your Shine and Found comics (which admittedly has left me feeling guilty given the magnitude of time spent to craft them...)

I think the reason Shine in particular hit home for me was because of relatability of the story and the main character, particularly when it came to the fears and tribulations that Star has experienced. The fact that it is an ongoing comic/story, to me, mirrors all of our lives, where we are constantly trying to cope and come to terms with who we are, and making new developments as our world shifts.

Needless to say, it met me with some sadness to finish/catch up on both stories and see this post a few hours ago. These stories left me with a lot of emotion and while I continue to process them I want to first thank you for sharing your voice and perspective through this artwork. More importantly though, I want to stress the importance of personal care and practicing escapism, which is something we all need especially in the bustling and hectic 21st century we live in nowadays. This is something everyone needs in life, whether it be through fishing, hiking, piano classes, you name it, and I think with us we have found our own unique and creative way of living that through ABDLism.

All in all, I am not sure how helpful this was, but I really do hope you are able to get the relief you need, and while I would love to see developments in these stories as much as anyone else, if the artwork and people's demands are leaving you so stressed, perhaps then a break and time for self indulgence/personal care is overdue.

Wishing you the best, and as others have said please feel free to reach out, you are not alone in this.

Have you told this to Paul? He loves you very much, and he wants what's best for you, and if that's a weekend in little space, or heck, a week, then I'm sure he'll do what is necessary to get it done.

Babygirl, I know this from experience, and yet I STILL don't do it, but if you don't ASK for something, people don't know you need it.

Quite honestly, I would stay away from FA, Twitter and anywhere else you inhabit online for two or three days. That means no uploads, no conversations, no drawing. Find Gem and DO have that playtime. You need it.

I wish I could be there to help you, but I can't. So, from the West Coast of the U.S., I'm sending you a hug, and I don't want to see you on here until like Wednesday. I want you to spend that time being Gem. I want you to tell Daddy that you absolutely NEED your little time, and you want HIM to be there for baby Sammy.

Hugs, head pats and skrtiches.

I support this idea

So do I. No one (reasonable) on here will be upset at Star if she decides to take some time off to be little (or be Gem, or whatever it is that we're calling it). Sure, some people might complain if she misses an upload, but they're jerks and not worth listening to anyway.

So yeah Star, go take some time off, be with your Daddy, simply enjoy yourself for a while and get lost in your own head. We'll be here for you when you get back, with hugs and head pats.

Hug of Support

This. So many times This!

My grandmother found all my Abdl stuff two years ago and has treated me like a freak ever since. I havent had an escape in about a year. Battling depression with no meds. Because everyone in my family thinks I'm faking it.its so hard. But it's worth it. In a few years I can move in with my "mama" everything will be perfect. Finding that guiding light. It has helped me so much. For me it's my dream if becoming an engineer for disney. I can let that dream go. We love you so much. If you ever need to take a break or just talk it out. I know I will always be here for you. I cant always answer straight away. But i always will. You've helped me see that there is nothing wrong with me. That it's ok to be me. We all know you are the most beutiful, playful, most inspiring little sweetie alive.

feel hugged, sammy!

It's healthy to vent.

This really pluck my heartstrings! You are a warrior to many, and you are not alone cause a lot of us are in the same boat

It's hard to look at this without feeling the same for my own reasons.

*hugs*

Understandable. Have a good day.

It’s all going to be ok kitten, just breathe in, and out, you’re just a little kitten after all, you can’t be worrying your little head with grown up things like that. I think you need a nap...

I doubt I could say something that makes you feel better with my own words but maybe I can give you a song that might. https://youtu.be/WH8QnOdlrQg
It's Recess by Melanie Martinez

I understand how you are feeling :) Full support from me :D

*Gives you hugs and a warm blanket and hot cocoa*

*hugs* life rarely seems to match our desires. Stay strong when you have to and enjoy the little times as they come.

I can very much relate how you are feeling, dear.
Please hang in there and I hope there will be a time when you can let your true inner self out more again.
Wishing you strength!

Not many words I can say to this, all I can say is I can comisirate with you on this I'm sure many of us can your works amazing but your mentel health comes first for sure at least in my book anyways...

<3

I know the feeling Star. I can relate. I don't have anyone where they cod take care of me for the day or I pay for every single thing in my house. I'm not borrowing a friend's stream service, ect. Everything I have I pay for, it would be nice to just get away from it for a day or two. I do they same in my art. It sucks not being able to do the little stuff you want. I don't expect anything from you Star. I just love reading the comics and seeing the art you make. Just gotta take some breaks every now and then. I'm sorry that your feeling down today.

*hugs*

This has such an impact that I couldn’t not comment.

I’ve been feeling this way for a few weeks now but I’m not allowed to be little or even babyfur/ABDL anymore.

In August a group of people defending my best friend’s abusive ex, over my bestie RT a call out about said ex after being threatened by the account, basically gave the two of us and my our other friend an ultimatum of stop drawing babyfur/ABDL or we’ll tell everyone you’re predators despite the following facts: We did not make the call out against my friends ex (in fact we were threatened and doxx’d by the person who did, my phone number was posted on the Twitter for 5 HOURS) and this same group of people was draw NSFW content of child characters. 🙄 We’re on predators because we cope by pretending to be children because we had shitty childhoods but they’re not predators for drawing porn of 14 to 16 year old children because “it’s just anime characters 🥴”.

Ever since August, I have been struggling with my unwilling exit of the babyfur/ABDL side of the fandom and this image explains that entire emotion. I’m glad that someone, despite not knowing me, so big in the babyfur side can understand my feelings so deeply. 😭🤧

You need hugs 🤗

Hugs

I hope you can work it out, because it's clear that you need babyfur/ABDL to cope. Maybe continue drawing it, and just don't post it? That might help a bit?

I'd also heavily suggest that you work on disentangling yourself from that group of people, maybe by getting new accounts that they don't know about? The community is here for you, and the babyfur/ABDL community is awesome, so I hope that someone can help you with this.

Again: People are here for you, and I really hope you can find a way out of this situation.

That's pretty messed up. I hope you can sort it out and continue drawing. It sounds like a bunch of bullies just trying to control you truthfully. Dont let other people dictate what you can and cant do.

That is super messed up. Sounds like you got an Uncle Mikey level Asshole on your hands.

Sweetie we just love your art so cute and vary wall done and to me your art is super cute

I feel this so deeply. <3 You're doing the best you can ; I appreciate you so much Gem. <3 I hope you can get your playtime soon. So many hugs.

This is, as the kids say. A big mood.

If you need to take a break for your mental health ease do so. We a care for you and want you to be happy. Go play, you deserve it.

..hugs... no need to be big around us, we understand.

*hugs*

Star you don’t have to be the adult just try to be your self the best you can

we all have to vent out our feelings, I know how that feels even after my surgery I had vent out my feelings (twas a brain surgery although it was on my side but it basically was a brain surgery I still get pain there but I survived, take care star)

Mood

I feel you there... I am experiencing the same exact thing, but with my mother in particular, everything I do is never good enough for her, but when my brother does the most menial thing, she flips out over him, and I'M the youngest in the family....i totally understand this well, I haven't been able to escape for 3 years now.

Star hun it's just a bad day we all have them we cry we scream at the pain to go away and slowly it does i may not be wording this the right way but i want you to know that you have an army of friends who wish to support and help you during these times so when you feel down remember you will always have someone to lift you back up we all care about you Star we all want the best for you so remember your not alone

Oh I definitely feel this. You gotta work, run errands and do adult stuff but then you're tired and just want to sleep, so feeling like you never have time to be little

wait till you're in your 40's... aint nobody interested in playing once any trace of youth is gone. It only gets worse.

Just gonna say, really not a fan of your attitude here. People do not lose their youth - it may get buried underneath with age but there is a little kid in everyone ready to appreciate the good things in life. Case in point, a lot of AB's include older folk. Furthermore this kind of negative perspective is not what is needed regardless, especially for the AB/DL community.

Ill be in my 40s next year. its all about surrounding yourself with the correct people I guess. I know there are a lot of groups who shut out people over 35 and truthfully folk in those groups are pretty...short sighted and a bit ugly really. Everyone ages but if you have a little in you, they dont really go away, so just find people who accept you for you and dont worry if you're aestetically pleasing to look at and truthfully those are the better people to be around anyway.

Its all ok we all have those days where enough is enough you have to vent, somw times it the only way to get it off your chest, i know how it feels since my perents vented at me about stuff they have told me that they felt better after getting it off there chest

I'm really sorry to hear you've been struggling, Gem. I can relate, and I hope you get some respite soon.

I haven't been having a good year neither good to know I'm not alone hope it gets better for you anyways 👍😢

Possibly relevant

LOL Yeah Im getting in line

this is heart breaking... poor baby ;_; .... **hugs the bebeh (t.t)

The big you (or the part that acts big?) is very hard working and responsible. So maybe when some people see that, they start to just expect you to always be like that. Maybe it feels like it's all people expect from you now, and I'm so sorry if that's true.
It's sometimes ok to disappoint people, and if anybody is expecting for you to be a responsible adult all the time, I wish they would learn how wrong that is. You can disappoint anyone who is expecting things like that from you. And there are a lot of people here who would much rather that you were happy and well than that you were useful to them in some way

First, I am sorry for your frustration. Secondly, This sums up how I am feeling much of the time. Always feeling like you have to be the one in charge, because if you don't you know it won't get done or won't get done right. Then you will probably just have to redo whatever it was anyway.. I can sympathize with you. It seems very few people in my world understand that this is a thing, and while I hate that you do understand it, just know, You and I aren't alone.

I wish I had something more clever or helpful to say, but I love your work and you’re so lovely irl and I hope you get more time to unwind and not be the adult. 💕 big hugs

I understand, that's the same reason I write about being a kid in a world where my responsibilities and worries about failing at adulting are gone.

🤗 I'm here for you.

Seeing Star and Gem here is a nice little crossover.
Hope you feel better soon, big hugs.

I haven't been able to stop thinking about this since you posted it. It resonates so much.

*hugs* Some days its easier than others to sorta...push this to the back of my head...other days (in much like the day I drew this) It feels like the little in me is throwing a full on temper tantrum and the best i can do to ease it is draw vent art. Drawing this did help, and crying a lot...helped...not in a fixed it way..more in a ...too exhausted to feel, kinda way and so everything is okay again because im numb for a while. I cant keep going round in this loop though. I need to figure out how to break the circle.

Hello Star
I know i am just a stranger on the internet as many others around here, but i finally got the courage to try and reach out to you after reading and seeing this.
I want to start saying that all your art work is amazing. I really grew attached to star and her story. It has helped me discover so many things i didnt know existed and also find out more about myself. Your characters have made me want to learn more about them and see them grow and understand, and well now i am beginning to experiment too just like Star.
Saddens me to hear you are going trough such a hard time . I wish i could do more then just give you these words, but they come from someone that was touched by you so hard that i do want to help in return.
I hope you getting the support you want and need around, we are allowed to have a bad time, just wish i could help you recover a bit.
Last, i am just a stranger, but if you feel like you want or need, you can reach me, i will gladly listen to you, as you already have listened to me.

So, love your work, I appreciate you, and hope you can feel better.

*huggies the star*

You're a good girl in a not-so-good world, and when you live in a not-so-good world sometimes you have to be an adult because the other "adults" in charge aren't being adults themselves. It's not fair to you or anyone else, but unfortunately, that's how it be. Whatever you need to do and however you need to cope is important, because you are the most important person in your own life. I hope the pain subsides and I hope you find the time soon to have an escape from the cruel unforgiving world we find ourselves in. You deserve it.

Oh yeah. This is the mood.

<3

You're doing what you can. Take some time to little yourself yeah?

Hugs

I feel this.... But in my situation it's ... different. It's not that everyone expects me to be an adult, to do so much. But rather, I realized recently I haven't given myself permission to. And at this point, I'm not entirely sure I know how to let myself get to where I want to be. :/

Writing helps me, and I never get to play anymore. Dunno exactly what you're going through but maybe something similar. If worse than my situation though then I'm so, so sorry. I kind of wish I knew exactly what you meant, though, so I could help!

Abdl is often a psychological response to the inner child not being nurtured, or to the inner child rebelling against the stresses of the big scary world. Many as you pointed out in Shine are in high stress jobs, after I read that I started noticing patterns. MANY have ptsd, if not from the stressful job its almost always from abuse, likely from childhood, depression, anxiety, or just plain old stress from the weight of the world being too much for one person to carry. That's why therapists and recovery forums and friends exist, and I know you dont know me but you're always welcome to talk to me too. We get through this together okay?

One other thing I noticed; There are a LOT of trans abdl people!!!! Like a LOT. Im trans myself. Am I alone in thinking this?

its beautiful no words can say anything more you sum up both sides of your self in one drawing

I know that feeling... Sometimes you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. You just wanna be a kid again. It's OKAY to have these moments. It means you're human. We ain't meant to do everything... It's Okay.

I wonder when Star will get her pink/yellow hair back in the comic. It just looks so good on her and she looks quite blant without it.

I feel that. I picked up smoking to help take the edge off... I smoke a lot nowadays :/

Your feelings are valid and it's understandable to feel this way. I hope you've been well in the days since you made this to vent.
I hope this helps, your story helped my friend and I encourage each other to be more honest with our little sides. Thank you for this world you made, but if it came down to us having Star or you having the world that let you be the way you wanted and not needing to make Star, it's the second one every time.

I want to hug you so badly right now. I wish i could reach through my screen and give you a hug

Same! TToTT

I'm so sorry to hear that. If you need any support, we're here for you.

I feel very bad about the situation you have been in for years, but I don't know what to really say other than you need to stop letting those who dictate what they expect from you to control you because soon you aren't going to have an Escapism to run to when they are clawing at your back.

We are all here for you Star and don't think we expect that you have this perfect life because honestly no one does and we all have shitty situations that dig a knife in our back. We all love you star and keep your chin up high and you eyes forward and walk the path you want to walk. (I sound so fucking Cheezy that I actually had to leave a comment just because I couldn't help but type this part in.)

Hey, we are here for you :)

Btw...what is vent?
Earlier today I noticed 'This is not a vent' at the end of one Animation Lyric video for MCR - Teenagers and now here, I am pretty curious

I realize this comment is a year late, but... a vent work is when someone creates an art piece specifically to display a hidden feeling they've been holding in. Usually bad feelings or otherwise stuff they can't let out in their own lives for whatever reason. It refers to vents, those little airflow grates in buildings that let good air in and bad air out?

Sorry to hear that, the world is not a good place right now. You've done so much work and we all really love it, but we also care about you. So take care and let those around you spoil you once in a while and just be yourself <3

im here for you hun

Dang.. this is me too 😔
I know them feels too trust me the world is hard for those like us 😞

I'm sorry you relate. I wish nobody did

😭

Aren't we all...