I really need (want?) to go to a weekend workshop on religious recovery,

[Ladyhawk]

but it's expensive. :(

First of all, the workshop is being directed by a psychologist author whose book I've admired and referenced for the past few years. Secondly, it's being held in a city I've had my eye on...I need to move out of this restrictive religious, right-wing community. I've also wondered if I might foster some relationships / networks, etc. that might help me achieve this end.

I do have some money saved up, but I'm worried about spending it. Because I'm poor, I should have some emergency cash on hand, plus I need some work done on my car. Also, I've been fantasizing about upgrading my PC. God, I hate being on disability. Getting ahead seems impossible.

I just watched a South Park episode that reminds me of this conundrum. Stan's father: "Just like the rest of us you have to make choices with your money. Do you want a bike or do you want to not be depressed?" Just the conundrum makes me depressed.

I'd like to go, but I'm also worried I will get too sick or fatigued to attend. Choices...choices...choices...dammit!!!! :grr:

[mrgorth]

1. If you don't mind my asking

Where are you and where are you thinking of going? Also, what is meant by "religious recovery"? Thanks.

[Ladyhawk]

2. I'm in California and I'm driving to a city on the coast.

I'm stuck in a red county and thought this might be a chance to do some networking in a less politically/religiously insane area on the map.

I was raised by Christian fundamentalists and it fucked me up GOOD. I am trying to recover from the damage that was done.

[mrgorth]

3. ??

Are there not any liberal churches close to you? Have you thought about moving?

[Ladyhawk]

4. Yes, I think constantly about moving.

Unfortunately, I'm on disability so moving is probably out of the question right now for monetary and practical reasons. I still don't have enough stamina to keep myself in groceries or get the laundry done. Hopefully that will change, but the monetary situation may not for a long time...or ever.

As for a "liberal church," I don't need or want one. I am an atheist and staunchly proud of it. I arrived at my own conclusion with others constantly pressuring me to come back to the fold. I have nothing against liberal religionists. I just don't believe in god. :shrug:

I want to get away from the fundamentalists here. A therapist who was going to do some testing on me told me that (quite frankly) I need to get away from this community because 1) the county is full of fundy nutjobs and 2) this is the town where the abuses took place. Every time I drive by the Southern Baptist Church I have flashbacks of sexual abuse.

It just so happens that this workshop is being held in the city that is at the top of my list of places I'd like to live. It is liberal and beautiful with both beaches and redwood-forested mountains within a short drive. I have been wanting to visit it again to get a feel for the place. I did have my eye on Monterey, but it's more conservative and tends to be foggy. I believe this other coastal city is far south enough to escape most of the fog. Like I said, I need to get a feel for the place again. It's been years since I was there.

LH

[Nikia]

5. Go for it

This could be something that could change your life.
I know that it is hypocritical of me to say that because there are many things that I would have liked to do and would have benefitted me but I feared that I would be too fatigued or sick to attend or really get anything out of it.

[ikojo]

6. Ladyhawk, is there enough time for you to write the

organizers and share enough of your story and ask for a reduced rate? Maybe there is home hospitality in the community hosting the weekend. It sounds like you really need to be there and if these people are really about helping people come out of fundamentalism then there will be alternatives to paying the full price.

If you are up to it, offer to help staff a table or something during the weekend.