I don’t remember where I heard this. I think it was from one of my dearests.

Either way, it’s worth hearing, knowing, repeating, and living by.

At least to me.

Hopefully to you.

I do believe there is a dearth of self-love and self-compassion in this world. I do know that self-love and self-compassion have saved my life. I’ve seen them save other’s lives as well.

When we love ourselves, we believe ourselves and believe in ourselves.

When we love ourselves, we listen to ourselves.

When we love ourselves, we honor ourselves.

We also have more love and joy and groundedness to give to others.

As someone who was groomed not to know anything of my own, on my own, the concept of trusting what I know is still mind-blowing. I was recently listening to an episode of the Falling Out podcast, a podcast by a Moonie Second Gen (those of us born and/or raised) where he interviews other Second Gens. They were talking about how, in our cult, taking care of yourself was seen as selfish and sinful. How we were taught to live only for the sake of others. How we were taught that if we ever questioned or thought for ourselves, it was Satan inside of us, trying to grab us back from god.

The concept of trusting what I know is still mind-blowing. The concept of loving myself that much used to unfathomable.

But over the years, I have built a powerful love affair with myself. My self-love and self-compassion are huge, and they heal me and whole me every day.

I will let this ease me into even more trusting what I know to be true.

How about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!


If you have been in ANY high control group or religion, share your story with the hashtag #IGotOut. Share on your own platform OR if you need to be anonymous and/or would like support, there are resources at the @igotout_org website.

When you see a survivor share their story, let them know they have been heard. This is such a meaningful part of the movement. We all need to know we’re not alone.

If you know someone who has been harmed by a high demand group, share #igotout posts or stories you think would help them.

Together we can bring awareness to how many of us have been harmed by high control organizations and end the shame or stigma we might feel about our experiences.

Tell your story
Impact lives
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Find out more at igotout.org

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