Hi there, dear sweet lovely reader! I was looking at my recent blog posts and realized it's been a while since I wrote about my actual experiences in scientology—but that's what you're all saying you want to hear more about. So first of all... SORRY. I guess I was off on a "trying to figure … Continue reading Wanna play The Birthday Game? It’s not as fun as it sounds. →

The picture above sums up how I'm feeling right now. Here's why: I've just left a steady paycheck and jumped into the world of self-employment. That in itself isn't the issue—in fact, I'm loving it. No problems there. The issue is this: A few days ago I spent some time away from home, in a … Continue reading The Slippery Slope →

This morning, spending a snuggly Christmas on the couch with my husband, his sister Carol who's visiting us this year, and my fur family, while watching Love Actually after completing my Christmas baking, I had a thought: I may actually be enjoying Christmas this year. It's never been particularly enjoyable. The excuse I always use … Continue reading Christmas, Then vs. Now →

Ephemeral. That's the word I've been mulling over since yesterday afternoon, when I found out that Crystal—a wonderful, loving, kind, intelligent, generous person—had died unexpectedly. If anyone embodied the words "living life to the fullest", it was Crystal. I didn't know her for very long, but I was a regular recipient of her love and … Continue reading Here today, gone tomorrow? Not for scientology. →

Ever have those moments when thoughts come at you in rapid-fire succession? It happens to me all the time. Like just now. I was sitting on my couch watching ad after ad on TV for "the best Christmas present ever" while looking at ads on my social media feed to "give your pets a great … Continue reading Scientology: Money is EVERYTHING. →

As I began writing this post, I started humming the Bing Crosby tune from the movie Holiday Inn (one of my favorites): I've got plenty to be thankful for I haven't got a great big yacht to sail from shore to shore Still I've got plenty to be thankful for... It goes on and on, … Continue reading I’ve got plenty to be thankful for. →

Sorry I haven't written in a while. I've been pretty overwhelmed lately. I've been in the process of liquidating a store. More than a store, it's been like a second home to me for the past four years. It's where I learned what a real leader is and how to become humane again. It's where … Continue reading Freedom from Overwhelm? Hardly. →

Every October 23rd, I take a few moments to reflect on the past year of my life and the twists and turns I've taken. Each year I feel more grateful than the last, but this October 23rd I feel particularly grateful. Last year I decided it was time to take the leap into a copywriting … Continue reading Birthdays, Then vs. Now →

When people see me, they often think I'm a pretty happy person. And they're right. For the most part, I'd say I'm fairly happy. Well, maybe "content" is a better word. I remember when I was first out of Scientology and living in the "real world" (whatever that means). I was elated, as you can … Continue reading What “Being Happy” Means to this Particular Ex-cult Member →

I've been thinking a lot about love lately. Mostly, I've been thinking that I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for love. Not the "love bombing" I got in the cult, but real, actual, glorious LOVE. Twelve years ago I felt trapped and hopeless. I didn't know what my future would hold. … Continue reading The secret to thriving after scientology: LOVE. →