At first, it was exhilarating. I felt like I was making a difference in people’s lives, like I was helping them find their purpose and meaning. But as time went on, I began to realize that my influence was not just about helping others – it was about control.
I still remember the day I realized I had the power to influence others. I was a young adult, barely out of college, and I had just started leading a small Bible study group on campus. People were drawn to my charisma and confidence, and soon, I found myself with a following of devoted individuals who hung on my every word. My Life as a Cult Leader
I started to notice that people were not just listening to me, but they were also looking to me for guidance and validation. They would come to me with their problems, and I would offer them solutions, telling them what to do and how to think. I began to feel like a guru, and they were my disciples. At first, it was exhilarating
As the group grew, so did my ego. I started to see myself as a visionary, a prophet who had been chosen to lead these people to enlightenment. I began to use more and more manipulative tactics to keep them under my control, including emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and even physical isolation. I still remember the day I realized I