I have been on LJ for quite a few years, under another journal. I decided to discard that journal and create a new one for several reasons, but mostly because I just don't see myself in that journal anymore. It has taken me through many difficult times and has been my sounding board, soap box and crying pillow through it all. I have also made many many friends via that journal. I hope that many of those friends will follow me here.
By the way, I don't actually know what that is in my userpic, but I think it's cool.