AJ was just 15 when she was drawn into Mormonism, pulled in by the love-bombing and sense of belonging it offered. In this episode of Beyond the Surface, she shares what it was like to join the Church from a secular background, navigate strict rules and rituals through her teen years, and eventually face the slow, painful process of questioning everything. From avoiding certain rites as a “convert” to the metaphorical shelf of doubts finally breaking, AJ’s story is one of deep emotional complexity. After leaving, she began to rebuild her identity—embracing polyamory, autonomy, and a life beyond shame.

Who Is AJ?

AJ is an ex-Mormon yoga vegan hippie who lives life according to her own heart and desires. After realising the conventional & religious life she was conditioned into wasn't serving her, she started following her own path. First, it was a career change, then she walked away from 15 years of infertility choosing to be childfree, and within that time she discovered religion was not for her as well. As she started to explore herself and the life she wanted, she created @authenticallyrelating_aj to chronicle her experience through deconstructing monogamy, exploring polyamory and eventually landing on her own authentic heart led path she travels today.

Connect With Us

• Connect with AJ via Instagram

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• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
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