I was born and raised LDS. A strong member for the first 20 years of my life, or so it seemed to the outside world. I struggled for years with gaining a testimony. I felt like the Mormon poster child, and yet I could never say that I actually had a testimony. I eventually made my way to UCLA and began to distance myself from the church. I soon became incredibly depressed and anxious upon reflecting back to what I had been taught for the majority of my young life.
Once I left, I began a very difficult journey separating myself from that Mormon poster child I spent so many years acting as. Three years later, I can say that I have never been happier. I know who I am, what I stand for, and what I believe in.I recognize how damaging the church was to me in my life and I am an advocate for helping other people out of that scary stage of doubt I knew so well. Where will I go without the church? I’ll leave happily and find that person I have longed to find for my entire life. I’ll go where I feel happiest.
Julia in Riverside
These are stories of health and happiness outside the Mormon church.
Losing my religion wasn’t the end
The Mormon faith has always been a strong influence in my life and upbringing. However at a young age, I chose to become inactive. I was a very confused young adult with a lot of questions. The answer I was given: to pray... which I did but I still felt very unsure...
Freedom and Actual Happiness
After being raised Mormon, going on a mission and marrying a Mormon, I gathered the courage to leave it about two and a half years ago. Though consequently it resulted in a divorce, I have never been happier. I am now free to live, think and feel how I want to. I live...
Losing My Life and Finding It
“Where will you go?” long before these words were uttered from the pulpit, I had them written in my heart, and they were terrifying to me. The youngest child of an extremely devout, conservative LDS family, the Church was my reality. I never missed Sunday School or...
Oh hey, it’s me.
I have nothing but fond experiences growing up in the church. I grew up in a family that loves the church deeply. I was so grateful for it! It wasn't until after I got married in the temple at 19, that certain things didn't feel as right or at home like they had used...
The world is richer and fuller than you can possibly imagine
The world is richer and fuller than you can possibly imagine. Culture, food, and whatever you feel you need to experience it is yours and no one elses. Go out of your comfort zone. Leaving has opened a whole possibility and discovery of beauty you will miss if you...
I will go where the Spirit Leads
I was ushered out of the church 30 some odd years ago when I came out at Ricks (BYU Idaho). I wasn't ex'd, I was just no longer Mormon. I floundered for a very long time, because back then there wasn't a network as there is now. Over the years I have found love and...