That’s all behind me now, the beliefs and the underlying system to boot. Starting in my 20s, I un-converted myself. Like, all the way. I didn’t want to let go of the beliefs but hang onto the patterns — become a judgmental atheist, for example, or a dogmatic yogi.
After dismantling my life, I picked back up a few handy concepts, like soul. You might say that I lost my religion but found my soul. Life outside of fundamentalism is less simple, but it’s a lot more meaningful and enjoyable. Instead of certainty, you get curiosity. Instead of black-and-white simplicity, you get gorgeous, colorful complexity.
If you happen to be stuck in fundamentalist hell yourself at the moment, I’m happy to point you toward an exit and be a companion along your path out. (For more of my un-conversion story, you can read my take on being lost and being found. Or see which books helped me the most along the way.)
Also
I give talks and write about recovering from fundamentalism in a way that I hope is both illuminating and entertaining. You can read some of my recent articles on The Millions, Bustle, Racked, BuzzFeed, The Hairpin and more. I've written a book called Soul Bone. It's about my experiences growing up and my escape, as well as the role fundamentalism plays in our culture. I'm looking for a publisher.
Then there's my day job
I was an English teacher for a few years, then went to grad school. After that, I started an editorial
career as a travel, shopping and arts editor in San Francisco. I moved into management positions as I moved around the country — to Los
Angeles, Washington D.C., Nashville and back to San Francisco, then across the ocean to London.
Along the way, I started doing what the kids call content strategy and content design. I’m still doing that, working for a big tech company and living in London, drinking tea and saying whilst and fortnight like those are totally normal everyday words to use.
I also teach classes about voice and tone and about writing for emerging markets.
