And while you'e busy comforting your younger self, please share that gem with everyone.

I'll never forget the words of Nik who said the same thing. When I was strugglng the most right after I left the cult, Nik said that you shouldn't try to just cut that part of your life out of yourself, but rather try to integrate it into your life as part of what makes you who you are... a stronger, better, wiser whole person who learned an invaluable lesson.

Okay... it was so long ago that I forgot his exact words and maybe I embellished a little. But still...  

Happy to see you posting again!