When Dragonfly asked for a testimonial, I wasn't sure how much to share. I know that it helped me to read others experience, even if I wasn't necessarily going to have the same experience, it helps! So here it is. I hope this helps you attend one of Pure Orgasmic Love's event and connect with the amazing work Dragonfly and her team are doing! 

I was nervous about the unknown. I wondered what I would have to do, and scared of what may come up deep within me. I was dealing with really intense depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts just before the Goddess Gateway. I was terrified I was not going to be comfortable opening up about these things around a bunch of strangers. I know that (even if it varies in intensity for people who have the same emotional pain) this is a common obstacle, and I tried to push passed it as much as possible so that I would not inhibit myself from growing. I was very curious about what tools I could use to better restructure how I process getting through really rough emotional storms.

I WAS NOT ALONE. I listened to the other women who all made me feel so secure, and validated. They had gone through very similar emotions whether this Goddess Gateway was their first or second. I knew from the core of my being that I accepted this opportunity because I crave to be a better version of myself. I did take my moments to be alone and cry if I needed to self soothe and process the pain that came through during the exercises... but when I came back I felt that much more empowered. The releasing I did with the other women made me feel so much stronger than any time I’ve held it all in. I was encouraged the entire way to take care of myself, learning what that looked like for me.More than anything, I realized I had underrated my desires, needs, wants. I am learning to prioritize myself because I can not give my best when I am falling apart. I saw that there's a lot I neglect about myself just to please others.

 Now, I breathe more. I'm slower to react because I want to process how I am feeling. And last, I don’t dismiss and close my pain off from people because I’m scared it’s too much for them. I am still learning how I want to use my words to properly communicate when things go wrong in my life to my loved ones. I also see that I actually need to fall apart so I can build myself up stronger, and showing others your vulnerabilities actually makes you more bonded; it’s an encouraging feeling.

This Goddess Gateway showed me that maybe my initial reaction is coming from how previous toxic relationships and negative environments have influenced me to not be true to myself. I want to be an open hearted, supportive, fun and a relaxed spirit of a person and I now have tools and I better understand how that looks and feels for me as an individual.  Three days of being in this unconditionally loving environment was not enough. When it was coming to a close, I was sad because I longed for more. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to shed light on the dark place I was in. This was like giving a child a night light, things that were locked away and mysterious are no longer terrifying me to the point I feel paralyzed. However, I am ready for all the loving warm light- hoping to ignite and brighten another corner with each Gateway and Retreat as I continue to grow with Dragonfly at Pure Orgasmic Love.