Sharon Maxwell

Today is July 4th…but it’s *my* Independence Day.

Ten years ago today, I escaped from the cult I was raised in. The cult where I experienced unspeakable things. The only life I’d ever known.

2016 me was terrified and didn’t know what waited for me on the other side. I just knew I couldn’t stay.

There is no way ten years ago me could have imagined this life.

I couldn’t have imagined the authentic and deep friendships L’ve built. Loving and being loved as my full self. Finding work that aligns with my values. Speaking publicly about things I was once terrified to even think. Choosing community and rejecting conformity. Feeling joy that isn’t contingent on blind obedience.

I couldn’t have imagined the taste of unbridled joy.

The last decade hasn’t been easy. Leaving cost me people I loved, an entire worldview, and so much more. There have been years of grief, therapy, rebuilding, and learning who I am outside of what I was told I had to be.

But if I could talk to the version of me who left ten years ago today, I’d tell her this…

You were right to hope for something more. Thank you for being brave enough to choose a life you couldn’t yet imagine. 🫶🏼🥹

Happy Independence Day to all the younger versions of me who had no clue what freedom could look like. 💖