https://amygraceynash.com/blog/ Reflections on leaving high-control religion, rebuilding identity, and what healing actually takes, written alongside the work of the memoir The Runaway. en-us https://amygraceynash.com/blog/what-image-brings-you-calm.html https://amygraceynash.com/blog/what-image-brings-you-calm.html Years later, when I was in EMDR therapy, my therapist asked me to imagine a place that brought me joy, called a "calm place." This scene came to mind immediately. Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://amygraceynash.com/blog/a-pain-that-never-goes-away-part-2.html https://amygraceynash.com/blog/a-pain-that-never-goes-away-part-2.html A different social worker named Denise ushered Patty, Susie and me into her car. The car headed in the opposite direction. The story continues from Part 1. Wed, 24 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://amygraceynash.com/blog/a-pain-that-never-goes-away.html https://amygraceynash.com/blog/a-pain-that-never-goes-away.html Mom was one of the first parents to school her children at home. The action affected the six of us in ways hard to describe. This is part of that account. Wed, 24 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://amygraceynash.com/blog/when-its-hard-to-be-present.html https://amygraceynash.com/blog/when-its-hard-to-be-present.html When you've been through events that overwhelmed you, emotions can be dangerous. A reflection on numbing, dissociation, and healing on the Alaska Highway. Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://amygraceynash.com/blog/speaking-up.html https://amygraceynash.com/blog/speaking-up.html Trauma taught me to expect less. I didn't realize I should expect more. A reflection on learning to believe in myself and require respect. Mon, 15 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://amygraceynash.com/blog/when-forgiving-is-not-good.html https://amygraceynash.com/blog/when-forgiving-is-not-good.html I thought forgiving quickly was a good thing. I didn't realize I was handing an abuser a get-out-of-jail-free card every time I said it's okay. Fri, 11 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://amygraceynash.com/blog/the-dreams-that-wouldnt-go-away.html https://amygraceynash.com/blog/the-dreams-that-wouldnt-go-away.html My nightmares started when I was young in the monastery. I would dream I was running frantically through a pine forest, my superior in hot pursuit. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://amygraceynash.com/blog/when-leaving-is-not-enough.html https://amygraceynash.com/blog/when-leaving-is-not-enough.html I lived in a high-control religious community for twenty-nine years. When I finally left, I thought I would simply thrive. I was wrong. The habits formed there don't die. Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT