By Kyla Plummer, small business owner, concerned wife and mother, Bangalow
Mindless, weak willed, spiritual seeker, follower, devotee (vomit just at that word), cult member, woman (?!?) …. These words have been used to describe me, or women that I know negatively… behind our backs, either in whispers around town, by work colleagues, when leaving certain shops in Bangalow, online in bullying hate campaigns and by a mainstream media that is completely unaccountable for the lies and damage their exploits cause…. I am appalled! I am disgusted and disheartened! What is going on if this abuse, denigration and treatment of myself and other women (and men also) are allowed to continue without any true facts or foundation?
Edit: I have just been informed that David Millikan ambushed a peaceful UniMed event on Friday night (12th Oct 2012) and caused great fear and distress amongst attendees; it seems that a hate campaign has no end to its reach, the madness continues, but at some point we have to ask what are they actually accusing us of?
I have made some changes in my life, so what? I have been and currently go to some Universal Medicine talks, a few when I can…. I am super busy, happily married a loving mother, running a family owned local business and I also work in Bangalow. I generally love my community, I get along well with all the parents that I know from school and my customers, friends and work colleagues. Some people have said they would be better friends with me if I still drank alcohol, that’s cool, I understand, but I still consider myself accessible and have no judgment on what they choose to do.
What I have noticed within this community is this… When I had a marijuana dependency, was a heavy ‘social’ drinker and smoked a pack a day of cigarettes I was more generally socially accepted than I am now because I choose not to drink, have quit smoking all weeds and take better care of myself than ever before!?! Is this not strange? I am finally starting to get my sh*t together, the way that I have found that works for me, am not harming anyone, nor preaching any gospel, just going about my life, working hard, having fun with my children and being a part of what is mostly a great and unique community. I personally don’t care what anyone else does, but am also open and happy to share my experiences with others – note the term ‘my’ – I do what feels right for me and not what is prescribed by any other person. Although, God forbid, a group of people may do some similar things over time with some similar results or experiences… and may also build some friendships as well… must be a cult cause clearly, that is awfully strange and never happens in any group or gathering of people with shared interests?!?
What I am sick of is men abusing women, ex-partners and mothers of their children by accusing them of ridiculous things, spreading rumours around the town of Bangalow, threatening to take their children, enlisting the sensationalist media to print lies and half-truths and drumming up other hate campaigners into a modern day witch hunt, whilst hiding gutlessly in the pub or behind faked names online! Note to you all – don’t smile at my face in the street, if this is what you are involved in because I have no respect or time for people that are encouraging and or allowing men to bully women and children no matter what their concerns are – there is no excuse for this treatment! This is the town I live in… my husband is a long term local, I am not being bullied out of it, this is not high school (nor should this be acceptable anywhere including high school), I am standing up and saying enough is enough – come and say it to my face and stop picking on vulnerable women anonymously!
I would like to draw attention to the character of the people involved in this vicious attack of not only businesses, professionals and anyone that’s had contact with Universal Medicine, but importantly to the ex-partners or wives of these men who are now under serious threat. These cowardly men, trolling anonymously online, are plotting all kinds of hideous acts – like seeking full custody of children that are well loved and cared for by totally capable mothers under the cry of ‘cult’. There is no cult, the ridiculousness of these accusations has gone way too far and anyone, including local and national media that have been involved in the spread of this hogwash, should be ashamed because the blowback is devastating. Everyone has the right to different views on life and how they may want to live it when there is no harm done to others… how do you harm someone by eating gluten/dairy free food or not partaking in alcohol? How do you harm someone by going to bed early and taking care of your body? How ridiculous! Plenty do drink alcohol and eat gluten and dairy, it is not a prerequisite of attending and paying for a Universal Medicine course or talk. I spent many years doing just that and no one ever told me not to… I also spent many years attending or not attending courses as I felt like and no one tried to lure me back into the ‘cult’ or asked me where I had been!
A bunch of childish men that could not take responsibility for failed relationships are distracting themselves with a witch hunt and doing serious damage in the process, and the first to be greatly affected are women and children. Hiding behind the fact they are trying to do ‘good’ and expose harm is clearly a load of crap. If you really cared for your ex-partner, partner, wife or children there are many ways of showing concern, looking into things or delving and questioning in a way that’s not hate-mongering, vicious, cruel, judgmental and abusive. It is ludicrous to say or suggest that women are more weak-willed and likely to follow a cult leader mindlessly, it is denigrating to condone an article where it is suggested that a woman’s body is not her own if she is married and a man is entitled to fondle her breasts without permission and that it is strange and unreasonable for a woman to be entitled to ask a partner to be gentle during sex. It is appalling to bully single mothers with threats of taking their children when there are no facts to support that they are a part of any cult. It is particularly awful for these women because of the current trends favouring men in the media, biased one-sided reporting and deliberately taking a sensationalist approach to a story that had so much more on offer by the way of truth.
Back to some of the men involved is this hate-campaign; if you think it’s all right to shred, judge and rip apart other people online, then I am going to do the same for you…. Man 1. Total Douche Bag, big man about town, attitude filled wanker, worst example of the ‘used car sales man’ cliché, responsible for causing tension within otherwise harmonious relationships by spreading conspiracy theories and suspicion, recruiting other haters and has done more damage in this last year, than all the lies and crap he is putting on others. Man 2. Miserable Angry A-hole that constantly puts down and verbally abuses his ex-partner of 6 years, has never held down a regular job, has no assests, no income to support his children and no balls: only a true bully picks on a woman half his size and age. Now buddying up together they have found a shared love of blame and hatred and because they so obviously are not real men, with real jobs, and apparently have all the time in the world to go about destroying the lives of good, honest people that have nothing to hide. And note that I have still not publically named and shamed you even though I could and have been able to for some time.
The community of Bangalow in general now has to stand up together, regardless of involvement in Universal Medicine or not; if you do not agree with this treatment of women (children and men) within our community then stand up. If you hear something said, maybe question it? Maybe don’t jump to conclusions? Especially if you know some of these women and it does not appear to fit with what and how you know them? I don’t care what you are into, I am not forcing anything on you, but this concerns the welfare of our citizens. Disgruntled partners that can’t come to an arrangement need to pursue legal and ethical mediated sessions to work things out, all the women involved would be relieved, as I know they have all been nothing short of reasonable with these men that have been nothing short of disgraceful in return. No woman should feel unsafe in her own home. No child should have dad calling mum a mindless fool. No woman should have friends or community gossip behind her back because at first she remained the bigger person and did not share the truth of the insidious treatment from a former partner with others, out of respect for the past relationship and children involved. No community should stand by and let men like this lurk around and make our town a horrible place to live. Julia Gillard stood up to Tony Abbot and shredded his claim to be suddenly for women’s rights when he had a track record of sexism and misogyny. Now we should all stand up and ask these men to come out of hiding and answer for what they are doing and why… enough is enough.
The Truth about Universal Medicine 
That’s true Kyla. How does the media and these online bullies continue with the lies with no foundation or facts? We have got ourselves into a mess and we are all responsible. Our systems represent abuse that are far from equality and true respect and decency. Where are we at? Why isn’t there any asking these basic questions also?
Some powerful strong feelings here Kyla, and when expressed its a clear no to the abuse that is being meted out by the individuals involved and the media that is complicit. We need more of this, more of the world saying a clear no to abuse.
Reading this one can’t help but realise how serious this actually is. What these people are doing is literally trying to destroy the lives of many and they won’t even blink an eye, the maliciousness and hatred is evident and if we remain silent we are only allowing such behaviour.
Well said Kyla, I hope you are still in business supporting this change that is so direly needed and called for. And especially for everyone feeling they do not have the strength to change things around themselves.
People standing up and speaking their truth can be hugely uncomfortable for those of us who are embedding in our comfortable ways and who do not want to rock the boat. But in that not wanting to rock the boat it leaves the door open for all manner of ill acts that we can inflict on each other – after all, no one is going to call out the behaviour and hold us accountable. So, those of us who want to keep quiet and stand in the background are as guilty as those performing the ill acts.
We can say many things about what people says to show that it is all false. But, it is first and foremost, to learn to keep walking when everything is set up to make us stop. It is about learning to confirm ourselves deeply in the truth of what we deeply know it is true.
Putting someone down because you disagree with them leads to an inner loneliness for that person in the end. History has shown this time and time again, do we really need to repeat it again when the end result is misery for those who choose this form of abuse?
Abuse is abuse and hiding under the guise of anonymity or concerned citizens doesn’t change that.
It’s horrific that this type of abuse is not seen as a punishable crime. The lack of responsibility these men have is abhorrent and needs to be put to rest. Well done Kyla for bringing the truth to the forefront and saying NO to this behaviour.
The world is needing a total overhaul when a person who makes truly supportive changes for themselves is bullied and made to feel like there is something wrong with them.
Well said Kyla, enough is enough, when we make choices to change the way we live and eat in order to improve our own health we should be celebrating those choices, not being harassed for having made more loving choices.
Kyla you wrote this in 2012 and I agree with all that you have said, no community or person should stand by and watch anybody being abused whether mentally, emotionally, sexually or verbally as well as defame; this is just common decency. It is now 2017 and this particular abuse has continued. How are we then as a society that we have let this carry on and happen, not just here but all over the world in many different situations. What are our values, our priorities and what in life are we demanding even energetically moment to moment? When we say ‘Enough is Enough’ is every single one of us living in a way consistently so that is saying this.
It takes no courage to denigrate another, whether in a sneaky and anonymous way or in any other way. Pure irresponsibility.
Your description of what makes us socially acceptable is so true, absurd, bonkers and insightful – all at the same time. Society has these pretty obvious giant sized problems with dependency on alcohol, caffeine, drugs, sugar etc that are causing 80% of the lifestyle diseases that are crippling our heath services. Surely we need to redefine what is normal – find an alternative, choose a different way?
Touched Kyla you say it all as it needs to be said . . . This was great reading the first time, the second time and every time thereafter.
Accusing someone of something is fairly easy, especially if the accusation carries no legal consequences and you do not have to be accountable for it. It is the perfect door open for totally irresponsible people who for some reason need/love to bully others.
We all have to stand up and speak up for truth. The intimidation of others is a method used for ages by those attempting to impose on those who expose their choices.
I love the fact that you honestly express what you feel Kyla. It is important to speak out against the abuse that has occurred. The most disturbing thing about this whole situation is not the people that are responsible for the abuse and attacks, it is the fact that many decent people stand by and allow this abuse to happen or jump on the gossip train for entertainment. This is not ‘innocent bystanding’ it is abuse.
Small minds create big lies. It is a clever trick to inflate the self at the expense of all others in order to feel important and ‘better than’ due to the yearning (obsession) for recognition that comes from feeling ‘less than’ others.
No mincing any words Kyla. Straight to the point and calling all to account. One thing that your sharing highlights is what we do with any news (real or apparent). We can spend a lot of time judging a person based on a fragment or snippet of media without any hint of understanding the person or people concerned. So not only do the media have a role here in providing the whole story, rather than just a portion of it or telling outright lies creating the story. But also those of us who consume it. I would suggest that we consumers are actually the ones with the power, the unfortunate thing here is we actually don’t understand this or utilise it.
Many people walk in the ignorance that another has no right to make loving choices, many talk with their hurts vomiting from every word. Many don’t wish to see that the ones they are hurting are the ones that offer them another way to walk.
Straight to the point here. Bullies are bullies, wether they be family or ex family, community members or politicians. And it is up to each of us to call any action that is degrading. This article clearly points out that to not do so is saying yes to a long held belief in humanity that competition and being a step above another is ok. This is what allows bullies to be bullies, let’s each of us begin to see how this energy plays out in our lives and let go of any and all needs or wants to be better than another, for dedication to stopping this in ourselves first is the beginnings of halting it in our communities, homes and countries.
Kyla, that you say it so absolutely straight here, smashes every notion of female students of Universal Medicine being ‘mindless followers’ and whatever such trash. For you alone are not one to live in such abuse, and clearly so by your every word here.
That such insinuations, complete misrepresentations and lies have been promulgated by a small few and fed to journalists and publications who have lost all integrity in regards to publishing truth, preferring instead a life’s work sold-out to petty sensationalism, is beyond disgraceful – it is the highest, or might we say ‘lowest form’, of irresponsibility.
No public good comes of such actions, and strong are those who are in no way diminished by the lies that would want to take hold.
I love this paragraph Kyla. it says it all . . . .”Everyone has the right to different views on life and how they may want to live it when there is no harm done to others… how do you harm someone by eating gluten/dairy free food or not partaking in alcohol? How do you harm someone by going to bed early and taking care of your body? How ridiculous!” I agree, how childish and ridiculous and it is still going on.
Totally seconding what you have shared here kathleen. “How do you harm someone by going to bed early and taking care of your body? How ridiculous!” Kyla has blown all such ridiculous assertions apart.
What she has so deftly exposed, is how societally we would still prefer to confirm (either by word, or saying nothing) abuses that are lived – e.g. drinking the poison that is alcohol, and/or allowing a partner to dominate you and diminish all that you are – and as a whole, we resist those who bring a reflection of love (not abuse) that is a lived reality in their lives. I also have been shut out, shunned, and accused of a zillion ridiculous things, purely due to alcohol no longer playing a part in my life, and the changes founded on real love (and not some wished for ideal) that have come about – through my own will and choices – after being inspired by the love that those such as Serge Benhayon actually live.
In the state of the world as it is today, we simply cannot have enough reflections of true love, true self-care, and the smashing down of centuries, if not millennia of abusive behaviours that plague our humanity so. End of story.
It is astounding how, when a person begins to clean up their act the jealousy dial goes through the roof. It’s because they couldn’t do it for themselves.
And so instead of supporting them, they try to tear them back down to their level. Crazy…
Could it be that when women, or men, release themselves from the dependency of other’s opinion, substances or habits that keep them away from who they are, they become free of being controlled so must be belittled and attacked in an attempt to keep them and those they inspire from standing up for truth and decency? So awesome to read this because these tactics have clearly failed and I am mightily inspired.
Coming back to this blog has brought tears to my eyes as it was written four years ago and nothing has changed; in fact the hate campaign and lies are no longer focused solely on Bangalow but have managed to spread via the internet all over the world condemning many who have anything to do with Universal Medicine. The out pour of lies has impacted many livelihoods and has hindered many well needed community initiatives. Cyber bullying is a modern day problem that needs to addressed by all of us. We all need to stand beside Kyla and say enough is enough!
This blog is incredibly powerful and as relevant today as the day it was written some years ago. Enough is enough, harassment and bullying are precisely that whether you are a Universal Medicine student or not.
Something that stood out for me in your blog is that you describe the changes in your life to be ‘yours’. They are choices you are making for you because you feel they support you. You are not asking others to change their lives or imposing your views on anyone else you are simply making more loving choices that you feel support you to get the most out of life.
Its so strange that we are seen as more acceptable, relate-able to when we smoke and drink and have a few drugs…. their effects are well known, but I guess it betrays that in society people are finding it difficult to just be themselves without some sort of prop… and they would rather everyone joins in than have people stand out who have found a way to live that is more than enough just of itself.
Anyone that cannot see how insulting and underhanded it is to accuse you of not being able to think or make life decisions for yourself, is nothing but a blind man. I am not here to defend my sister or any person associated with Universal Medicine for that matter but I will say shame on those that spread these vicious and offensive lies. Although this blog is about 4 years old now to me it is still current and affective, it may not be perfect but it comes from a woman whom was brave enough to say, ’you know, this is actually not okay and will certainly not roll over and take this type of discrimination.’
Way to expose the rubbish for what it is! You have made too many great points to highlight but let me just say I am standing with you, behind you and beside you all the way. Enough is definitely enough. This kind of behaviour needs to be called to account for the harm it causes.
The microcosm reflecting the macrocosm and vice versa. Amazing the read first hand the impact abuse can have when allowed in small communities and how it is allowed in the first place.
This really does highlight how upside down we have allowed the world to be where taking care of oneself, being more responsible and considerate of the greater world around us is seen as something worthy of attack, distrust and slander. Whereas no one bats an eyelid to the depths of abuse that we have continued to accept and foster as our platform for human life. It really brings home a wider picture on how far we have allowed ourselves to separate from what our bodies and our essence know are true ways of living and being with each other and thank God for Universal Medicine for reflecting the light we all have within us to go down there and see for ourselves where we are at so as to not continue going down the wrong path. The media and internet have been, and is still used in an abusive manner, but as everything is energy and nothing is static this can all change.
This blog is chock-a-block full of the ‘enough is enough’ factor. As I was reading it I felt the power of your words expressing on my behalf, on behalf Serge Benhayon, of all the Universal Medicine students and on behalf of all the targets of bullies and abusers everywhere. It really is time that this irresponsible and harmful behaviour is met with zero tolerance and is indictable. It really is time that humanity stands up for itself, for all brothers and sisters everywhere and says ‘enough is enough’.
I find it crazy when Universal Medicine students, of which I am one, get accused of being in a cult when it is perfectly acceptable to be part of a mainstream ‘religious’ organisation like Catholicism where sexual allegations are continually being exposed.
Isn’t it strange the way how people react when they see one of their friends or family members finally getting their act together? There is a concerned yet accepting attitude when someone is living a life which is making them overweight, exhausted, anxious and all the other norms that we see today. But when someone breaks away from this it makes others feel very uncomfortable as its showing them another way which hadn’t been considered which exposed how they are actually living. They also don’t like the discomfort of seeing that the issues we are dealing on a day to day basis are from the choices we are making of how to run our lives. The exposing of the responsibility simply makes us squirm.
This is such a powerfull article, it is full of truth, not holding back, and showing that what has been going on is not ok. No man has any right to harass a women on the basis of a false accusation, and a dysfunctional relationship. Which never can be blamed on something outside of it.
Kyla you have truthfully and with powerful expression exposed evil; you are absolutely correct nobody should feel unsafe in their communities. Any behaviour that leads to this should be called out immediately, which you have done.
Love your expression Kyla, powerful, honest and obviously deeply felt – a few years since it has been written yet still so apt – the Truth sits and waits to be revealed, it’s time is coming closer.
Great blog Kyla. “. Everyone has the right to different views on life and how they may want to live it when there is no harm done to others… how do you harm someone by eating gluten/dairy free food or not partaking in alcohol? How do you harm someone by going to bed early and taking care of your body? How ridiculous!” I agree, yet ” I was more generally socially accepted than I am now because I choose not to drink, have quit smoking all weeds and take better care of myself than ever before!?! Is this not strange? ” What a strange world we live in that when we learn to take care of ourselves – and even choose to love ourselves, it rubs people up the wrong way and disappear from our lives. Could this be because we remind them of what they could be doing to change their way of living, yet are choosing not to do so? Easier to cut out a friend than face reality?
I’m with you Kyla, and spoken with a good dose of common decency and sense.
Your indignation has a courage and strength to it that completely blows away the ridiculousness of the hollow allegations, exposes the vindictiveness of the allegations and highlights the devastating social impact on the community and families involved. As you say, ‘ a sensationalist approach to a story that had so much more on offer by the way of truth.’ What a wasted opportunity.
Kyla, you have really nailed the issues here! It is so incredible that when someone makes great personal changes in their lives which improve their relationships with themselves, their families and friends and community, that they can be ostracised because of this. It does not make sense. Thank you for outlining the issues so clearly.
Great call Kyla, enough is enough and we have to call this out when these things are happening in our societies. It is true that the if we allow these men continue to bring in these atrocities they will disrupt our societies on the level of security and feeling safe and protected for all which must be the base we deserve as human beings and for the communities we live in.
Absolutely clear and straightforward and with common sense. Thank you Kyla for stating so clearly that enough is enough. Going behind people’s back and not talking to them face to face shows already that there is no honesty nor true caring in these men’s action but a deliberate spreading of hate and fear.
Hear, hear Kyla! This is amazingly claimed and fantastic to read. A beautiful example of truth being claimed from our bodies and the strength that such a stance comes with. This is in contrast with claiming truths with only our minds which at best can be an intellectual study but never a true and whole livingness that can reveal what is truly going on before us.
Hear Hear Kyla, loved what you have shared here. Very powerful and to the point…..I so agree, so what if you have made changes that are for the better in your life, along with many others in the community and other communities around the globe. What a shame those who have such little tolerance, insight, self responsibility and integrity, that they feel the need to be adversarial, full of blame and lack acceptance of others choices.
Well said Kyla your blog shows your strength and truthfulness; those cowards wouldn’t dare challenge you face to face.
Thank you for writing this Kayla, the more conversations there are exposing this behaviour the more awareness it brings.
Simply said there is no room for abuse ever – thank you Kyla for this powerful statement and calling out of everything that is not love.
The tactics you describe are really disgraceful Kyla, you’re right, no one should feel unsafe in their own home and anyone in the community of Bangalow should be very careful not to jump to conclusions. These men, by spreading falsities, are manipulating everybody to their own ends, just so they don’t have to feel where their choices have led them.
Nailed it! This is a fire-bomb of truth and forthrightness Kyla. I love it and I love the way you have said it. 3 years on and this criminal (in my mind) behaviour of a few ‘losers’ is still going on but it’s people like you Kyla that are exposing their disgusting lies and behaviour for what it truly is so they will be called to account.
Really enjoyed reading your blog Kyla, such a powerful message to those who choose to blame anyone except themselves for their bad relationships, and accuse anyone in connection with Universal Medicine to be mindless and a follower of a cult.
Such small minded attitude toward Universal Medicine seems to go against the flow of this area, if you look in the newspaper there is every sort of swami, guru, self acclaimed healers and teachers of all sort of modalities and they operate freely, which indicates it’s a personal vendetta that is driving a few vindictive X husbands to try to destroy Kyla and many other people’s reputation round town and beyond. It’s so easy now with the push of a button to take the small minded approach and wreak havoc beyond the bounds of the small town but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s still lies, half truths and small minded vindictive rumours.
Kyla everything you write is in your absolute power and you speak up here and I just can advise anybody else who is living there with you in this beautiful place to speak up for truth as well and stop this kind of unacceptable behaviour and grow up together. Kyla is saying no to such behaviour and is saying yes to love. I bet everybody just longs for harmony and truth…so if you do not feel like speaking up then get support where you start to reconnect to your expression and exposing the anxiety, you are all so much stronger than that It’s a choice of the community, do you prefer fear and hatred or do you prefer harmony and truth and everybody’s voice counts equally so. Kyla thank you for your amazing job and the amazing woman you are. Truly, deeply inspirational. With love Nadine
This is such a powerful blog, Kyla. The strength you show in this is palpable even 3 years after it was written. There definitely comes a time when we must say “that’s enough” and put a stop to abuse.
Exactly Naren, and naming it for what it is is the first step to stop it.
Wow Kayla it’s so clear to feel that you really have had a gut full of vile behaviour and that your gut is refusing to allow any more of this abhorrent behaviour to continue. An inspiring immovable stand and one that needs no other person to stand with you, although many of us do.
kyla thank you for your bravery in standing up to be counted and not allowing those who are small minded living in a small town bully you. Its great to see you call this abuse for what it is, just that, Its time these men and women get a real life of their own and not live in the gossip pages of their minds.
Kyla thank you for standing up to be counted in this smear campaign of Universal Medicine. We need to call this what it is and not allow a few dictators fill peoples minds with lies.
Enough is definitely enough. This is the truth of the matter beautifully spoken,’ It makes absolutely no sense that nobody had a problem with your drug induced, alcohol filled days, but now you have started to live healthily and take care of yourself it is an issue for some people – now that makes absolutely no sense.
Kyla this is a truly inspiring and brave blog you have shared here! It must be very hard to live in a Community such as Bangalow that is so small and have rocks basically thrown at you! As you say why is it when we give up poisons in our lives people think we are weird, not seeing the truth, that you are looking after and listening to your body, and taking responsibility for how you look after it.
This powerful blog calling for the outright abuse to stop was written in October 2012 and sadly it is still relevant today. This is 3 years later and still the gutless, baseless attacks persist. We know who you are. We know all your pseudo names. We know your game. Enough is enough.
I like the way you have expressed Kayla, strong and direct
Great blog. It really is enough is enough! These men are cowards using all type of misogynist stereotype to down play women like you who’ve jolted their lack of responsibility into reality by living yours. Those who don’t like seeing how possible it is to live responsibly because they’re unwilling to be responsible themselves, resort to putting down what they don’t like seeing or being able to control in the delusion that’ll halt change being asked of them.
Awesome you’ve asked people to stop the whispering behind people’s backs and say it straight. Then all that rubbish is out in the open and can be seen for the stench that it is.
Yes Kyla god forbid we have friends like us that are healthy and getting themselves together. How exposing that is to the ones not taking responsibility for their lives and the choices they make daily. They wonder why they have few true friends.
If any friends at all Gail. If you count fellow haters as friends you have got to eventually wonder where the love is in that..
Absolutely – Kyla I love how you say – ‘I have made some changes in my life, so what? I think it’s about time we all made some seriously big changes when it comes to our health and well being. And as for friends, a true friend would only welcome such changes.
I hope many, many people in your community read your blog Kayla and paused to think about how they may have contributed to the state of current events. On another level, your blog asks everyone to stop and question everything we see, hear and feel before making assumptions and accepting some commonly accepted views as if they were truth. Going further, once we know something isn’t right do we shy away or do we do our best to challenge what is going on?
Powerhouse Kyla, what a call to stand up and say NO to abuse in our community. You have exposed the horrific workings behind these disgruntled men with upmost honesty. I had no idea these women and children where victim to this sort of abuse. Thank you for the reality check.
With 2 women a week dying at the hand of their partner in Australia it is no surprise to me that the media and the townsfolk lap up this cult brainless devotees picture of women, the line about sexual abuse being ok is so revealing of where we really are at as a society. We think because we have great technology and communication that we are some how advanced from the by gone eras of sexisim and it is actually worse than it ever has been. We have allowed abuse in every nook and cranny of our lives and now we are paying the price for living so separated from our innate natures of love. Fortunately the only antidote is loving yourself and calling out abuse so heres to the way forward!
Thank you Kyla and Vanessa, I agree, let’s not put up with any abuse of any description, and let us choose love as the antidote for our true evolution.
I love the power you have spoken with here Kyla, it must have been hard to see people you thought would know better, listen and believe what was coming out of those peoples mouths, people who were not even brave enough their name to the vile things they were saying. I take my hat off to you for not naming them.
Forthright and to the point Kyla. If only the detractors were so honest.
Simple and true Adam – qualities detractors are far from.
Absolutely agree Kyla, bullying is never allowed, and there is never an excuse to justify the behaviour you described so powerful in your blog.
If I ever need anyone to set the record straight I know where to go… you rock… and enough is definitely enough – way to call it.
Yes me too Samantha – I was reading this going – BAM – BAM – BAM – telling it like it is sister. No room to hide in this one.
I can’t imagine what it was like to live and work in Bangalow at this time. It is awful to feel a community pulled apart by lies and revenge. However I can’t imagine anyone better placed to not stand for this behaviour and to set people straight. I love the way you deliver what you have to share, no holding back.
Awesome Kyla. I agree it is time to stand up as a community and not allow the minority to bully the majority. Your words are an inspiration to read.
To think that taking and smoking drugs, drinking sometimes really excessive amounts of alcohol, have become socially acceptable, that doesn’t make sense to me. I wonder how these socially accepted normal activities that are actually either illegal and really destructive, become socially acceptable, yet when you remove these from your life your seen as unsociable and not normal??
I stand with you Kyla, for sure. Very powerful, very real and very true.. no woman or child should be made to feel afraid, no one should be ostracised for having their own way of living and no media should be reporting lies which as you say are absolute crap. Very well said.
Hello Kyla, you may have written this blog sometime ago but it still is relevant to how things are. The way you write commands respect and I love your ‘no nonsense’ attitude that clearly lets people know where they stand. You are a breath of fresh air in any relationship and Bangalow in my opinion have been truly blessed to have you in their community for so long. Keep going Kyla for the way you stand as a woman inspires many others to do the same.
Very powerful Blog, saying it how it is. Thank you for naming those that chose to use and abuse others, particularly innocence women and children as human fodder. It is only through speaking out that things will change. Thank you Kyla.
Go Kyla, you rock!
Well said Kyla, this behaviour is not acceptable and should be rightly called out.
It is not about Universal Medicine as such, but a common level of human decency and respect for one another. Bullying and threats should not be tolerated in our community, and in particular against women and children (also men).
Kyla, such a fantastic and powerful blog. No one should be abused in this way and especially not children – no one should use their children or their wider community to settle hurts or scores from relationships – it’s childish, actually no, many children wouldn’t even do this. Enough indeed. Thank you for this, a great read.
Standing up for truth is at your absolute core here Kyla; I applaud, appreciate and am inspired by your power to do this. Enough is enough – enough to the lies and the absolute harm and abuse being inflicted. Thank you for expressing this and calling your community to stand up also for what is truth – not just your local community but to the world community.
A very powerful article Kyla. What you share illustrates to us all how the destructive behaviour of a few affects the whole by breeding fear and judgment to destabilise the truth. The viciousness of these individual men who are trapped in the victim cycle of blame shows us all what happens when you refuse to take responsibility for your own life. What a horrible way to choose to live.
Well done Kyla. Power to you for unleashing fury onto the dark and dingy. Shine the truth like a spotlight for they will have nowhere to hide.
Thanks Kyla , for setting the record straight and standing up for yourself and others ,against abuse and cyber bullying.
Thank you for writing with such raw honesty Kyla and I totally agree that ‘enough is enough’. Your courage in speaking out highlights the appalling consequences of such cowardly behaviour and one would have hoped given the perpetrators pause for thought. I love the question you pose which reveals the ridiculousness of the situation where people who have chosen to make responsible choices in how they live their lives are being denigrated for it: ‘Everyone has the right to different views on life and how they may want to live it when there is no harm done to others… how do you harm someone by eating gluten/dairy free food or not partaking in alcohol? How do you harm someone by going to bed early and taking care of your body? How ridiculous!’
When we all take a stand like you have Kyla then this absurd and cruel bullying may stop. Devaluing women who are making loving choices about their lives and honouring what they feel to be true for them is completely disgraceful. It’s time to take a stand and stop the online hating and stand for truth and love.
Had enough indeed. Great that you pointed out that no child should have dad calling mum a mindless fool. They would be so confused by it all. There is obviously something more going on behind these attacks because many people not associated with Universal Medicine are gluten and dairy free, go to bed at a reasonable hour and or don’t drink alcohol. This isn’t limited to Universal Medicine attendees.. So what is it about the way we live then ?!
Yes, Yes and Yes, Kyla. The passion and the strength you write with is infectious. You expose so many lies, corruption, mis-truths and well plain rudeness (as a politer word than I would like to actually use here) within our community and the community of Bangalow. Well done for not putting up with the crappy side of life and just letting it slip. I applaud you for standing up for yourself and well standing up for the whole society at large because by standing up for whats right, you blatantly call out whats wrong and it needs to be addressed.
Thanks Kyla , for so powerfully standing up for truth and love and standing up against bullying and abuse. We stand with you.
Fantastic blog Kyla, straight talking, powerful,with a gentle touch of humour and no judgement. I live in the UK – our government could do with a few like you!
Kyla, I subscribe every word of yours. Very powerful blog! A true delight to read! Thank you!!
So true Kyla. What has happened to our communities that they don’t serve to support the people within them based on who they are and not what they do.
Powerful, truthful words, I applaud you Kyla for standing in your truth and exposing the rot within not only your community, but in society, enough is enough!
What Kyla has written represents truth and honesty. It is not excusable at all to abuse people with lies and spread harm and sorrows into families. This by all means need to stop.
I love the way you have powerfully stood up and said no. I find it is strange that people who know someone choose to judge them because of (their perceived version of) Universal Medicine. Instead of vice versa – knowing them and forming an opinion of Universal Medicine based on who they are.
Kayla thank you for having the courage to speak out on behalf of all women and children. I am to totally in support of everything you so clearly and honestly shared.
I really love your blog Kyla and the way you stand up for yourself in this strong and powerful way.
Thank you Kyla for speaking with such truth and honesty.
This is so awful and reminds me of the medieval witch hunts where rumours are spread and people are judged not for who they truly are, but what other people say about them. This is a pattern found in every community where people are deeply harmed through the village talk and judgment put onto them. This article is calling out the harm of it and asks everybody to stop projecting their own hurts onto others seeking satisfaction from judgmental gossiping.
I deeply appreciate all that you have expressed here Kyla. I love this raw honesty you have in speaking truth – it’s something I easily relate to…Thank you for this – things like this need to be said and not ‘danced around’….
Re-reading this blog today makes me think of all the people in times gone by who continued to adamantly state that the world is flat. It’s always our right to choose which way to go, but to abuse and persecute others for their choices, is never a sign of integrity. Fascinating how we as a species have a track record of fighting the truth that is right in front of our face. It seems to me that the only thing Universal Medicine are guilty of is reminding us all of this truth, that in truth, we all know.
Kyla I don’t know you but you must be one wonderful brave lady. This article must surely have made your whole community take a good look at themselves especially the perpetrators of these behaviours and the then anonymous trolls (that I know are now exposed). Congratulations!
“I personally don’t care what anyone else does, but am also open and happy to share my experiences with others – note the term ‘my’ – I do what feels right for me and not what is prescribed by any other person” Great that you put the record straight and counter the abuse that people have experienced, which has been occurring in your town. The truth is life’s about personal choice and a great question to ask is “what is the issue here?” Anything here that is being gossiped and built up is a false…there is nothing strange occurring here, perhaps a bit uncomfortable for some, it is however just people a making a choice to step up and be responsible for themselves.
Kyla I remember reading this at the time and thinking ‘go girl’ and reading it now it took a lot of courage for you to write this and pull no punches. It is crazy like you point out how people are suspicious of you if you don’t drink, smoke or party. I am sure your life is infinitely more than it was 2 years ago as you are evolving as for man A and B I can make an educated guess as to where they stand today. Not shoes I would want to fill. We can walk tall and carrying on.
Wow Kyla, amazing article, thank you for standing for truth and for saying no to the bullying that is completely unacceptable, your article exposes the ridiculousness of this hate campaign, ‘how do you harm someone by eating gluten/dairy free food or not partaking in alcohol? How do you harm someone by going to bed early and taking care of your body? How ridiculous’
Kyla, a much needed account of how it is for you being personally surrounded by the effects of this hate campaign. It is totally unacceptable and we need to call it as such. It is horrendous that this behaviour is affecting so many and has been created by nothing but lies. And it’s horrendous that people are buying the lies and are willing to point the finger. Where are we as a human race if we are ridiculed for simply making a few choices. It purely shows that these choices are a threat to many who don’t want to take a look at their own lives.
Well said Kyla. Thank you for your forthright declaration for truth and standing up not only for yourself but also those who do not feel so strong. Through the actions of people like you others will also be inspired to speak the truth, no longer hold back and the bullies will not be able to continue.
“What I have noticed within this community is this… When I had a marijuana dependency, was a heavy ‘social’ drinker and smoked a pack a day of cigarettes I was more generally socially accepted than I am now because I choose not to drink, have quit smoking all weeds and take better care of myself than ever before!?! Is this not strange?” Very strange indeed, when many of us are now living healthy lives, caring for ourselves and others. Does this show people up that they are not choosing the same for themselves? What is so wrong with living a better quality of life – a byproduct of Universal Medicine? So they blame and condemn.
Great writing Kyla, very powerfully exposing the ridiculous goings on that continue to this day. What harm is Universal Medicine causing, nothing at all yet there is a crusade of injustice being played out behind closed doors, by people who lurk in the shadows and spread lies with no courage to openly talk or be seen. Shame on the elements of the media who have played their part in this and eagerly lapped up the cult nonsense. It is great you have made so clear that your choices are for you and not something you ever impose on another, and it is unacceptable these irresponsible men from your local town have been allowed to run their hate filled lies. It is great to see you make a stand and say no to this bullying and call for others to be more discerning in what they believe.
True Stephen – the attacks on Universal Medicine are sneaky and deceptive, it is a web of corruption where whatever flies near or in the web will be trapped to become a part of the game, part of the lies that have no evidence what so ever.
Well done Kyla for saying it how it is… It’s so ridiculous , all of it! And as you rightly say, how can a bunch of people who chose to look after themselves and as a result of regular meetings, become friends, be branded a cult. It’s insanity! Well done and thank you for standing up for truth – you have a real yet truthful and loving voice.
A great point here ‘what are people actually accusing us of?’ – I read this and it made me think ‘hang on – what is going on here? What facts are actually on offer to say we’re living in a way that is wrong?’
You’re so right in that now, more than ever – 2 years on from this article – there is still a need to stand up and come together, because there is not once ounce of truth in whats being said.
Thank you Kyla and Hannah, I agree, after over three years of lies there is not a shred of evidence to support any of the lies published.
The truth well spoken.
Kyla, I have felt sadness that you have been a witness to this truly dark side of the fellow human beings and on the receiving end of their loveless expressions. At the same time I have a magnitude of admiration for all you stand for, for not holding back, and for spelling it out just how it is including using human excrement to portray a true picture of what horrendous acts and behaviour these men; number 1, number 2 and their satellites are capable of.
Your piece reminded me of the time when I was growing up in a town in the Balkans. Each night around 11pm the street cleaners would come out with their big lorries and those huge, really thick hose pipes to clean the streets. The power of the hose was tremendous and would scoop up any s..t off the streets. The feeling after they’d gone would be amazing – one of freshness and cleanliness, a new beginning and I would so want to breath it all in deeply. Your post is just like that.
ABSOLUTELY, BLOOMING MARVELOUS – Well done YOU Ms human being extraordinaire!!!
Kyla I would say you have had to endure more than enough. This definitely needs to be expressed for yourself and for all women. I hope that it gets heard in the media, it is needed there.
Kyla, thank you for expressing with your unwavering truth and love. Yes LOVE. Saying enough is enough to what is not love and the abuse here exposed is the epitome of the love that I too feel.
I also work in Bangalow and have experienced much of the same. Businesses and professionals turning against, in what feels like some sort of crazy war. But it all comes back to what you have expressed, what’s wrong with eating gluten and dairy free, what’s wrong with choosing not to drink alcohol or take drugs, what’s wrong with asking our loved ones to treat us with the love and respect we deserve whilst we in the do the same. Something is clearly very wrong here.
It saddens me to experience what is happening in our local communities, I grew up in this area and have never experienced anything like what I have seen of late.
Why is this abuse not more out in the open? Why are people speaking behind people’s backs and gossiping behind closed doors? If you’ve got something to say, don’t hesitate to say it to me personally and give me an opportunity to express myself and allow others that same respect too. Everyone should be given an opportunity to be heard before assumptions are solidified from hear say.
Thanks for all the comments. It is an awful thing to deal with on a daily basis, attitudes and judgements from people that don’t know you, nasty looks or worse sympathetic greetings – when it is clear they are thinking “what a poor young woman – she could be so much more if only she wasn’t so weak willed and easily manipulated”. Without ever truly reaching out and talking openly about their concerns. Maybe they are not really sure of the concerns they think they have? Or are already conveniently convinced that they could not reach someone ‘brainwashed’, so why bother? Or perhaps, inside they are wary that what they would hear would not fit the idea or belief they had already formed with the misinformation they have been fed or sort out? Maybe they are not after the truth at all, just a good story, like the media?
On the other hand the amount of people within this community that would not and do not stand for this treatment and behavior are many and greatly out number those that are doing this damage, it’s just that gossips work overtime, that’s what they live for and generally decent people tend to want to avoid that kind of interaction as it feels dirty. It is safe to say that some of the biggest instigators of nasty gossip in Bangalow business area are responsible for spreading many awful and damaging unsubstantiated rumors about other unsuspecting innocent members of the community, completely unrelated to my experience – it seems that this is how a few get their kicks, makes me wonder what they really get out of it?
Hi Kyla, well said. It is outrageous what is going on-that people can be allowed to write all sorts of slander on a blog and then think they can get away with it just because they appear “nice” in public and because they hide behind being anonymous. Good on you for calling it as it is. Like you Kyla I am another person who knows that enough is enough. We cannot allow this abuse of women or anyone for that matter to continue.
Absolutely Elizabeth we are worth so much more than this and we do not need to be afraid to say it so.
Hi Kyla, thank you for having the courage to write about the abuse in your town. I don’t live in Bangalow nor do I know these 2 men you describe but their abuse has reached me. I am named on their blogs as someone to bring down because I practise Esoteric Healing. It is unacceptable that in Australia we allow people to create fake profiles to blog abusive lies.
Anyone who knows me knows that there is NO WAY that I would belong to a cult.
There is NO WAY that I would follow another.
There is NO WAY that I would push another into living the way I do.
There is NO WAY that I would harm another.
Thanks Kyla for sharing with us how awful it really is. We all needed to hear that.
Good on you Kyla. I just read your blog and wanted to let you know that I too have struggled with detaching myself from the whole party scene of BB. I can’t say I have had the strength to give up drinking alcohol completely – I still do enjoy a nice wine every now and again but, as you said, who’s to judge the way one lives their life and I guess everyone has their poison. I think the most difficult part of the process was realising that many of the people who you once considered to be friends actually had nothing in common with you aside from the superficial activities and conversations that surround binge drinking/drug taking. A tough lesson to learn but one that only makes you more resilient in the end.
Giving up self-destruction and embracing the more important aspects of life such as health and travel,learning, writing and reading, a professional career, exercise and engaging with people in a deeply meaningful way somehow rendered me insignificant and obsolete in the Byron social landscape. Oh well I am not living there anymore so I don’t have to deal with the BS but I just wanted to let you know I can relate to what you write here and I hope you stay strong and surround yourself with supportive people rather than those who undermine your happiness.
Thank you for sharing Kyla, I didn’t realize this was happening in Bangalow. The truth definately needs to be told.
Thank you Kyla for such an incredibly direct from the heart account of what is really going on. Very inspiring!
Frank, power-full and spot on Kyla – the behaviours of the ‘masked’ disgruntled few are completely disgraceful – and it is of great love to not have not exposed them when you could have so easily personally ‘named and shamed’. Thanks greatly for this honest, exposing and truth-full account of the abuse of people, power and lives.
Well stated Kyla. It’s interesting to see that most of the people who have commented on your post have given their full names. Why? Because they have nothing to hide…and why would they if they had been inspired to make significant changes to lead healthier and more harmonious lives.
Yet there is a small group of people who have refused to look at the part they have played in the breakdown of their relationships and have embarked on a hate filled vendetta against their partners and Universal Medicine over many months. This group of people has co-opted sympathetic journalists and ‘expert cultbusters’.
Because things have not gone their way, their intensity has increased. Now they have crossed the line and focused their vengeance on individual people who attend Universal Medicine presentations and workshops.
As a result many people, including childern, have been hurt. Is that what these people really want? Enough is enough. It’s time for this to stop so all can move on and live their lives freely.
Absolutely brilliant Kyla, I agree with Jonny, you have rocked Bangalow with this and any other town that feels inspired by this hate campaign. You are a gorgeous beautiful woman, but if you’ll excuse the expression, you have more ‘balls’ than all these guys put together in writing this piece. This campaign is disgusting, that individuals would choose to behave in such a way, but that it is further supported and encouraged by the media is shameful. We as women have been submissive to this ‘apparent’ authority that men have for too long, yes “enough is enough”. And I agree with you it is time for anyone in your town who knows of anyone getting involved in this campaign to stand up and speak out against it, and if they are fearful of this then perhaps they need to question who they are living with!
Thank you Kyla for your beautiful love and strength. You are a true power pack!
I love your honesty and its inspiring to see women standing up and saying enough is enough!
Thanks Kyla, that is absolutely awesome…this is about truth and as you so eloquently put…enough is enough! Your post needs to be broadcast everywhere.
Children are very wise and know what bullying is. They also know that if their father truly loves them, they would never be treated like pawns in a game to manipulate the child’s mother or be witnesses to verbal or emotional abuse of their parent or others either in their homes or around the township. This a basic tenet of a civilised and caring society.
What damage is happening under the guise of these men being allowed to behave abusively and bully far and wide in a mistaken ideal of payback?
Thank you, Kyla, for you awesome post. I am another of the “mindless women” of Bangalow. I am a surgeon who has done business here for over ten years, sent my two children to the local primary school, and supported the community in many ways. Over the last few years I have started to truly care for myself, lost 20 kg and look and feel 10 years younger than I did 10 years ago. Has anyone come to me directly and asked for my beauty secrets or any information about what I have been doing? No. Did the media come and interview me and did I respond clearly and honestly? Yes. Did they print the truth? No. The real cult (and culprit) here is a society that allows and supports this behaviour without question. Thank you for coming out and speaking the truth about what is truly going on.
Kyla, WOW. That you had to go through all this is astounding, ridiculous, and truly inhumane. We have allowed so much wrong to go on in the world between one another and on a larger scale, between families, neighbours, countries even. How refreshing to feel you speak up and say no to this. The more of us that are able to let go and truly express all that we are feeling the better. As you say you enough is enough, how powerful it is when we stand up and speak this from our very essence – no holding back. Truly inspiring – thank you!!
Kyla,
Just what is needed, thank you. People need to open their eyes to this kind of abuse and intimidation. This is not just Bangalow but everywhere. This will be stopped.
It is time that we find our voices and speak up as this kind of abuse has gone on long enough. How has such unacceptable behaviour become acceptable? Thank You Kyla, thank you for saying enough is enough.
What you have shared is very honest and raw. Thank you this needed to be shared.
AWESOME!!
Awesome Kyla, I Love your honesty in saying it how it is, the truth needs to be told even if it may appear offensive to some.
Thank you Kyla for your honest and real account of what it is like to live in a community where lies are being taken as the truth and people are judging without really considering the real truth of the situation. It is totally astounding that in choosing to be more loving with yourself, your children and everybody around you, that it should make you an outcast of society. What does that say about where society places normal acceptable behaviour? Great point you made about being more accepted when you were smoking and drinking etc. I too question what is wrong with people to want to attack others who are clearly making choices that support a healthy, loving lifestyle. From my seat in the UK I stood up in support for you as I would if I lived in Bangalow.
Thank you again for speaking out.
It’s time for us all to speak up – this kind of abuse in the community should no longer remain hidden.
Absolutely Kyla, its truly time to stand up for ourselves, not only as loving, law abiding citizens, but as intelligent, loving women (and men) committed to ensuring we take true care of ourselves, our families and our communities. The vitriolic behaviour of a few men who seem completely unwilling to acknowledge the impact of their own behaviour on their families and society as a whole seems to be supported and championed in the media and society as a whole – it begs the question, why? Why should we, humanity, show more of an interest in loveless and brutal behaviour than in the love that we all truly are? Its absurd that when people begin to stop poisoning themselves with alcohol, drugs, caffeine and tobacco and not stay up late to watch some mind numbing programme on TV that suddenly they are the most dangerous people in the world. Because this is what we are doing – simply deciding to clean up our act, go to bed early and get on with our lives. Our Mums would be proud of us, after all, isn’t that what they have spent their lives telling us to do? And as soon as we start doing it, everyone beats us up!! Has humanity really dropped off the edge of reason that they fail to see the plain common sense of this or are many people feeling ashamed of their own abusive behaviour and simply do not know any other way to deal with their feelings?
Kyla, what an amazing honest, direct and deeply needed response to what is happening to you personally and all who chose to attend UniMed events. The world needs women like you are willing tell how it is. Thank you.
Kyla your strength, understanding and commitment to living your life, your choices and your love for your self is unwavering. Enough is enough, the life we choose is our right. You offer an amazing reflection. Awesome writing.
Well said Kyla. It’s time to stop putting up and shutting up. Very inspiring.
Wow Kyla, I had no idea that this was going on so thank you for your account of how it is for you and others in Bangalow. I totally support your views that this kind of bullying and abusive behaviour is totally unacceptable and needs to stop before anymore damage is done to people’s lives.
Thank you Kyla – a very powerful and inspiring post that speaks the truth. Thank you.
Absolutely Kyla. It is an utter disgrace that we as a society have allowed the degradation of women to the point that humanity is now insensitive to it and it has become an ‘acceptable’ way, that we have not spoken up as a society to the point where corruption continues to go unchecked and is rife, that our media have somehow become ‘above the law’ and are not accountable for aiding and abetting ‘hate campaigners’ within a democratic society; and that ‘hated’ is allowed to be a part of any civilised society in this day and age is an aberration on us all as human beings.
The witch-hunt you describe is not unlike those that have occurred over the course of world history that have clearly not worked. In recent times we need only look at the Lyndy Chamberlain witch-hunt within our own backyard, driven by the media which saw an entire nation turn against her.
It is incredible to believe that we call ourselves a ‘free country’… how is there freedom in the current events? Freedom to have our own beliefs, freedom to live our lives as we see to in a peaceful and harmless manner, freedom of speech and the freedom to expose the lies and corruption that no longer even sit beneath the surface but are out in the open, clear as day for us all to witness? To be told that we have to be a certain way, live a certain way, that we can’t believe something and must follow certain beliefs, that our voice will be discounted if we speak up against the rot and corruption, that we should accept constant abuse as women… and more… where is the ‘freedom’ in this?
I too have lived in and around Banagalow for over 20 years and never have I felt this small country town to be the way that it is now, full of snickering, glares and snide comments behind others backs. All because there are a handful of people who choose not to look at why their life is the way that it is and that they choose to blame others for their own undoings in life. Using their children as pawns to try to get back at their ex-partners and others for something that ultimately happened to them thru their own choices in life.
What has been expressed here is a true account of what is going on to those whom live and have lived in Bangalow for a very long time. What a shame that it is those that choose to live a life of truth that are the ones that are targeted, ones that choose to live in a way that affects and asks nothing of no-one other than for you to be who you truly are, a life that has allowed these people to live in a way that they can enjoy all that they have and all that they are, honestly and in truth.