Stepping away from compulsive selflessness

by Lisa Kohn | Nov 23, 2020 | Recovery

Compulsive selflessness. I wish I could say the term was mine, but I heard it from another Second Gen (someone born and/or raised in an extremist group) from the cult I grew up in. Compulsive selflessness. We were literally taught to “live our lives for the sake of...

Stand in your power

by Lisa Kohn | Nov 16, 2020 | Resilience

Yes, I am powerless. Yes, I still think I have power. And responsibility. Power and responsibility to make sure people around me are happy. Power and responsibility to make sure they don’t get upset with me. And yes, I am wrong about that. Completely, magnificently,...

Wow. I still think I have power…

by Lisa Kohn | Nov 9, 2020 | Resilience

My anxiety has been a bit rampant recently. I wonder why???? 🙂 I added a tool to my toolkit. I worked out a plan with my therapist to, if not handle, at least be less thrown by my anxiety. First, I think “Pause.” Then I remember that I’m powerless. The great thing is...

That’s the cult talking

by Lisa Kohn | Nov 2, 2020 | Recovery

I believe I’ve written about this here, but it bears repeating. I have a friend, another Second Gen (those of us born and/or raised in an extremist situation), whose therapist has taught them to say to themselves – to counteract the crazy, harmful, self-loathing ideas...

Open your heart to a freight train of love

by Lisa Kohn | Oct 26, 2020 | Resilience

Now more than ever, I’m stopping moment by moment and opening myself to love. I’m opening my heart to a freight train of love. I heard this phrase in a Rick Hanson book or webinar. It resonates so strongly with me. Opening my heart to a freight train of love. I am...