Breaking Free: Lyn Smith Gregory's Journey from Mormon Royalty to Self-Discovery
Episode Overview
Lyn Smith Gregory shares her experience growing up as Mormon royalty. Her journey of questioning and ultimately leaving the Mormon Church. The impact of religious trauma and estrangement from family. The role of writing in Lyn's healing process. The importance of self-compassion in overcoming past traumas.
I felt like one of the bravest things I had ever done was admit that I had been duped and lied to.
Growing up as a direct descendant of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, Lyn Smith Gregory was considered Mormon royalty in Utah. But life in the spotlight wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. In this gripping episode of 'Ruthless Compassion', Lyn shares her journey from being a devout Mormon to breaking free from the church’s patriarchal and high-demand expectations.
At 19, after a profound encounter with an atheist professor, Lyn began questioning her faith and eventually left the church, moving to New York City to carve out her own path. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and transformation as she navigated the challenges of estrangement from her family and the complexities of starting over in a new city. Lyn's reflections on religious trauma, perfectionism, and finding one's true self are both poignant and relatable.
She also discusses the healing power of writing and the importance of self-compassion in overcoming past traumas. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in stories of personal growth and the struggle to break free from oppressive systems. Lyn's narrative is not just about leaving a religion but about finding hope and building bridges with loved ones despite deep ideological differences.
Tune in to hear how Lyn turned her darkest moments into opportunities for growth and how she continues to inspire others with her story.