What things do you do to mark your progress away from the WTS?

by Lady Lee 9 Replies latest jw friends

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  Lady Lee

  I was at the Meetup this week and had a couple of interesting comments about what people have done to mark their progress away from the WTS/JWs.

  One person said that when she recognizes that she has taken another step away she rewards herself with her own private birthday party, cake and candles and sometimes even a gift. She is doing this for all the birthdays she missed. And it needn't fall ON her birthday but it does mark some change in her

  Another puts up a tree for Xmas and instead or even along side the cracker she gives a Kinder Surprise (looks like a egg but is chocolate with a small toy inside) She is creating her own holiday traditions.

  When someone gave me my first xmas tree I put it up immediately - it was JULY!! But I didn't care

  Every now and then I find myself doing something - buy a lotto ticket, vote, salute the flag or sing the anthem, have some kind of patriotic activity - see a parade or even participate in one etc

  So what have you done, are doing or think you might do to mark your progress?
• 

  The wanderer

  I just graduated college this was a milestone for me,
  and more personal proof and evidence that I am no
  longer captive to the Watchtower Society.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  The Wanderer
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  Nowman

  I do it through my own three children who were never born in the org. All holidays are big in my house. We go to the X-mas parade in town the day after Thanksgiving, we go to the 4th of July parade (and participate sometimes) every year the weekend before the 4th, their birthdays are a huge deal (besides I remind all my friends one year before my b-day of what day of the week my B-day falls on the next year, "mark your calender, I want a happy birthday, lol)...this makes me happy inside to bring up my kids with these traditions (not the religious aspect of Christmas for example).

  Since I ve been out for 15 years, I definitely feel like an old pro in celebrating the holidays!

  Nikki
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  Madame Quixote

  I have kept up my Halloween/Christmas tree all year. It is very small, dark black and scary-looking. It is now a designated key rack, and a very elegant one at that.

  I have also started signing all my posts, as of today with my real name.

  -Teresa Nichols
• 

  Nosferatu

  I still want to have my backyard literature burning party. I'll do it this year for sure. It just feels great knowing that those pieces of rubbish aren't sacred writings from Jehovah that should be held in high regard.

  My boy is also reason to celebrate. I never thought that I'd live to see the day that I was a grown up, married, and had a child. I thought Armageddon would come before then. He's also going to have a normal childhood - Christmas, presents, easter chocolate, and girl guide cookies!
• 

  OUTLAW

  LadyLee..I celebrate every holiday I could`nt when I was I the Cult..I`ve taken courses in professional cooking..And..I`ve lived in the wilderness for years..My life is my own..I would never had the freedom I have now,if I was still in the Cult...OUTLAW
• 

  jaguarbass

  So what have you done, are doing or think you might do to mark your progress?

  I started voting in 1984, I about 90% forgot I ever was a witness, except when I come on this board.
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  gonga

  i put up a christmas tree , and i have started attending the monthly birthday party that is held in my building

  for whoever has a birthday in the month. i am throwing out books and magazines .this was hard at first ,but i am

  still working on it.
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  nvrgnbk

  I respect those who feel otherwise, but the holidays don't interest me much.

  One of the most significant things I did was registering to vote.

  Oh and I swear alot. But then again, I always have. I don't like being misunderstood.

  Oh and I enjoy a nice cigar from time to time.

  Nvr
• 

  AZ

  I still want to have my backyard literature burning party. I'll do it this year for sure. It just feels great knowing that those pieces of rubbish aren't sacred writings from Jehovah that should be held in high regard.

  I agree with that one...I think everyone has a whole garage full of left over books and literature to throw away...we were cleaning out our garage last summer and my mom told my dad to get rid of it all...my dad made some excuse why not to and my mom said just make sure it's gone by the end of the week...they both forgot and it's still there...I think my dad felt guilty...but you're right it isn't sacred writing...It's just garage and a waste of good paper.

  I don't know that I really mark my progress but I'm getting married in June to a man who is not a JW but JW or not he is a wonderful person despite what I was taught at the KH...that people that aren't JW's might seem nice but will "spoil our useful habits". I don't think I will ever forget that scripture. I'm also moving to a new city were I don't know any of the JW's down there and don't want to either...I know I'll be able to relax and not have to worry about who I might run into...Who will shun me and act like they don't know me...It's so awkward and such a waste.