by dobbie 48 Replies latest jw experiences
Hi
I have to say that I'm far happier outside of the JWs. I've had my really down moments, but basically I'm so much happier being "me" rather than having to be a society drone.
It is a beautiful thing to be able to search and find who you are, without guilt. You don't need a lot of men in New York telling you what to do and who to be.
Sirona
Thanks for all your comments, i said it was a daft question!i haven't been to a meeting for a while now, i am trying to fade away but have a feeling it won't be easy in my situation. I am very lucky though that none of my own family are jws and i have recently told them about the doubts i have been having and none of them said i told you so! My husband is also very supportive of whatever decision i make, but i do get scared at the thought of being shunned by people i have to see on a daily basis. I have been looking on this site for quite a while now and it has really helped open my eyes and have learnt so much that's kept quiet, especially 1975 that has shocked me, and the changing rules on organ transplants and blood, which is something that affected me personally and i will never forgive myself for.
dobbie,
I didn't leave the organization to find happiness. I left because I was continually being asked to choke down dishonesty, pretend that reality wasn't reality, be untrue to myself, and resume teaching doctrines I no longer agreed with.
I left the organization to begin a quest to find peace, specifically inner-peace; satisfaction that, for me, comes from knowing I am the person I portray myself to be. I hope from that peace happiness will blossom. I know I am not less happy since leaving. But it is pretty miserable living a lie while pretending to everyone around you that you believe the lie is really Truth™.
Respectfully,
AuldSoul
What a question! I love it.
Been gone since 1992, although I am fairly new here at JWD. It was hard at first because of the shunning thing, but there was so much I had to look forward to. So many things I could learn, do, and see. I have come into my own, and my mom finally came to her senses in 2000 and left the org too. We did not see or speak to each other for 8 years! I am so happy not being a Jehovah's Witness. Im a "worldly" person. lol
Best to you...Nikki
It was very hard to adjust at first, making what the Witnesses claim seem true for a time. But once past the initial shock and overcoming some of the frontline programming, things begin to progressively get better. I am much, much, much more content today, out of the org, than I ever was in!
It's awesome to see so many people's lives changed for the better.
I had a vision of the society as a changing-tent down at the beach. The witnesses were all huddled inside, sweating, miserable.
All the while the keepers at the door were admonishing those huddled inside of the hazards outside. Sunburn, glass in the sand, jellyfish in the surf, rogue waves that could sweep one away.
Anyone who left were forbidden to speak to those still inside the tent. There they sat, beet-red, telling each other that at least they were happier in the tent.
I tell you, I've never been a JW, but when a sweet old lady grasps my arm and whispers madly, "Don't worry dear, you'll get used to it." why do I get goosbumps and a terrible urge to run, run as fast as I can?
"Don't worry dear, you'll get used to it." What? The guilded bars? The confined space? Never!
Sure, there's hazards out in the big, bad world. But the sense of freedom should not be sold short. Ever.
Hello and welcome
More content ... no more meetings..gossip .. fault .. and blame. They can keep the foolishness and forget about me.
Its a little too bad right now....because its like a bridge that just won't burn.
Much happier since I left. When I finally detached myself and realized I had passed the point of no return--I knew without a doubt is was not The Truth--it was like an enourmous weight had been lifted from my soul. A literal, physical feeling of having that weight removed. I have not regretted it for one single second. I have never been happier.
