I finished "Educated" by Tara Westover. What an interesting read about being raised by parents whose view on the world changes yours; and then how to see life differently when leaving the family.
She takes us on the journey of seeing how she was raised and how it impacted her view on the world. How she believed the lies her father told her as the truth. How completely it bled into her DNA. How hard it is to wrestle free of the conditioning of our parents. And, the cost you will pay when you change your mind.
The insanity that we feel when undoing our minds, feels more insane, than when we were brainwashed.
The pull of family and our allegiance to them and the truths of the real world are hard to wrestle with, while unraveling the mind.
She depicts it so well.
How there are two of you.
The old one, who believes.
And, the new one who can't anymore.
How children (Adult Children) are still under the influence of parents; for love.
Or, to belong.
While we are on different paths, Tara and I have some commonalities.
The journey of finding the truths in the world and within ourselves.
How we change more than our family can handle.
Her story shows the elasticity of the mind. And, how fear can lock it into a thought pattern.
I have such reverence for the mind's ability to hold lies as truths. Its power can ruin lives.
"A mind convinced against its will, is of the same opinion still."
You simply cannot change someone's mind.
It is an inside job.
A completely badass job, to take what you were raised upon and see life differently.
Tara also shows how the non-abusive parent has a role to play as well.
If they choose not to side with the child, they have double teamed the child.
Her mother saw the abuse, but wouldn't stand with her when she needed her to.
So, what good is it.
And, some siblings peeked at the truth; but then towed the company line.
Others, like her, had to move away to live a life free of her father's influence.
This book shows that there are many kinds of childhood trauma's that will impact the child's life. Some children are strong enough, or have something inside of them, that leads them out.
I am one of the lucky ones.
Alone, but free of the web.
