Elena Joy Thurston

This presentation reflects on my experience of searching for a sense of belonging, joining a restrictive church community as a teenager, married at 20 and had four kids, and after 18 years realizing I was gay. I tried everything to save my marriage and ensure my place in heaven, including conversion therapy. I didn't know it had a 57% suicide rate which is where I ended up. In my healing, I've learned who I am for the first time, have been kicked out of my religious community, come out to myself and my children, and embraced Emotional Intelligence. Through daily rituals and science-backed habits, I've been able to regain my mental health and now teach others how to do the same. Audience Takeaways: *Learn the difference between fitting in and belonging *Understand how to access Emotional Intelligence and how it can benefit your everyday life *Be inspired to come home to yourself