Jinger Duggar Vuolo opens up about her struggles after leaving her strict upbringing
Laredo: After Jinger Duggar Vuolo left her strict upbringing in Arkansas, she and her husband moved to Texas, but things didn’t get easier.
She spent two and a half years in Laredo, and when they were leaving, a friend mentioned how she felt they hadn’t really connected. That hit Jinger hard.
She realized she had been so guarded, worried about what others thought of her. Growing up in a tight-knit community felt like being in a cult, and she was scared to show her true self.
Now a mom of two and expecting a third, Jinger has written a new book called “People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations.”
This book follows her earlier one, “Becoming Free Indeed,” where she shared her journey of leaving her former church.
In her first book, she talked about the harmful teachings she grew up with. She felt trapped by the fear of what others thought and was hesitant to speak out.
Bill Gothard, the founder of the Institute for Basic Life Principles, had a big influence on her upbringing. His teachings emphasized strict rules, especially for women.
Jinger left the church in 2017, and her decision to speak out wasn’t easy. She faced criticism but also found support from many who resonated with her story.
She felt it was important to help others break free from those teachings, which she found rewarding. It was tough to confront her past, but she knew it was necessary.
After leaving, Jinger struggled with the pressure to be the perfect wife. She realized she had a lot of baggage from her upbringing that affected her relationship with her husband, Jeremy.
Jeremy encouraged her to express her thoughts and feelings, helping her understand that disagreements didn’t mean rejection.
Jinger learned to think for herself and speak up, which was a big step for her. She found that sharing her experiences helped others feel less alone.
It wasn’t until she faced postpartum depression that she started opening up about her struggles. Talking to Jeremy and friends helped her process her feelings.
She began to see that many of the teachings she grew up with were just opinions, not biblical truths. They kept her in fear and isolation.
Moving to Los Angeles in 2019 felt liberating for her. She made new friends and embraced experiences she was once told were wrong.
Now, she sees her kids enjoying life and exploring their personalities, something she wasn’t allowed to do as a child.
Jinger is focused on living a life free from fear and superstition. She wants to honor God without feeling burdened by strict rules.
Her relationship with her mom is strong, but things with her dad are more complicated. She acknowledges that family dynamics can be tough.
Ultimately, Jinger wants to live a fulfilled life, embracing who she truly is and who she was meant to be.
