#ThrowbackThursday to the little girl I used to be—sitting at the kitchen table, clutching a Halloween candy bag I wasn’t allowed to keep.
I didn’t understand back then why celebrating holidays was “wrong,” or why I had to sit out while the other kids played and laughed. I just knew I felt different. Alone. Confused. Ashamed for wanting what everyone else had.
That moment has stayed with me for decades, and it’s one of the first stories I’m writing about in my book—about growing up under the control of religious restrictions, and how that shaped the woman I became.
If you’ve ever felt like your childhood was stolen by rules you didn’t choose, you’re not alone. I’m sharing my story to help others feel seen—and I hope it brings some comfort to anyone still trying to break free from the guilt they were raised with.
🖊️ Want to follow along as I write my memoir? Tap the link in bio or head to ChronicallyHustling.com to see my latest progress and posts.