What Advice Would You Give A JW Thinking Of Leaving Or One Who's Left?

by minimus 30 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  nvrgnbk

  Pray really hard.

  Pray some more.

  When you realize no one is listening, not only will you be an ex-JW, you'll be an atheist as well.

  Just kidding, believers.
• 

  flipper

  I would say similar things as you said, be strong ,be prepared to be dissed or even disowned by those you felt were your friends and relatives. But also, I would say have some kind of a support system if possible to turn to. Another fading witness relative, worldly relative, friends, someone you can communicate with and get solace from, you will need it. Don't get dfed if you can avoid it, fade gracefully, as much as the elders will let you, and if you have family you want to stay close to that are still witnesses, quietly respect their views, but if they question your views , be careful what you say unlees you can trust they will respect your views. Anything you say can or will be held against you in a jc court of law.

  And very important, do research on your own. Prove to yourself you have made the right decision by learning about the fallacies of the org. and their stands on blood transfusions, child molestation, etc. It will firm up in your own heart and soul that you have made the right decision leaving
• 

  oompa

  Before you make your decision and for some time after there are four things you really need to focus on:

  1. Prayer and meditation

  2. Regular meeting attendance

  3. Personal study SCHEDULE

  4. Regular Field Service

  These are the keys to any and all evdeavors.

  got em down......oompa
• 

  changeling

  To leave: Do is as fast and painless as you can.

  After: Enjoy!
• 

  educ8self

  "How well do you know yourself? It's not a matter of being self involved, but you just have to be honest with yourself. How can you honestly believe something is the truth if you don't even know yourself very well?"
• 

  LoverOfTruth

  Accept the fact you may need to see a Professional. Depression can be profound and difficult to control alone. It Can and Will get better with Time. You may lose family members but you may be the one who leads them out so be brave.
• 

  minimus

  I agree that it might be a good idea to see a therapist to get thru issues.
• 

  nvrgnbk

  I agree that it might be a good idea to see a therapist to get thru issues.

  Agreed. My therapist is a little red dot.
• 

  minimus

  Please....I humbly ask you to call me Doctor Minimus M.D.
• 

  Terry

  1.It is pointless leaving Jehovah's Witnesses without first taking an inventory of your emotional baggage. Are you angry, defiant, depressed, hurt or calm, determined and optimistic about the future?

  2.Examine the way your life is directed as far as a purpose is concerned. What % of your thinking and acting centers on the Kingdom Hall and service?

  3.Ask yourself how superstitious you are. Do you live in a world of spirits, demons, End Times, prophesy, Truth, holy books and miracles? Or, do you see these things more as a result of indoctrinations from childhood?

  4.Can you/Do you think for yourself? Or, do you have to make sure some Authority approves your next move first?

  5. Do you talk to yourself and project the converstion outward as Prayer? "Who" do you talk to? Is it a feeling of compulsive panic or is it an inner monologue of calming picture straightening?

  6.What is your anchor in life? Is it a place you go? Is it a group you fit in with? Is it a family unit? Is it a calm center of self-assurance with a plan for success?

  7.Are you filled with anxiety and dread about telling the truth about your feelings, your doubt, your honest inner dialogue? Is this an infantile fear of being disapproved of? Or, do you have the courage of knowing what you need to do with your life for the first time?

  8. Do you feel the need to "plead your case"? Are you starting to organize a speech of defense that will refute objections as though this were a door-to-door sermon? Or, are you neutral and confident that it doesn't matter whether other understand why you've chosen not to continue as a cultmember?

  9.What is your Source of empowerment now? Is it a list, a book, a creed, a theology, an agenda? Or, is your source of power the epiphany of finally seeing something for the first time. Does the LIE make sense now? Do all the pieces fall into place? Can you walk to the door and open it because you are about to put lies and self-deception behind you?

  10.Do you see others as "others"? Or, do you see the people around you as human like yourself with hopes, fears, goodness, shortcomings, confusion, and a desire to live a better life?

  This self-inventory will determine whether you should GO or STAY.

  Why?

  Because a lot of people leap out of the frying pan of the Jehovah's Witnesses into the fire of just another brainwash of so-called "spirituality".

  WHY GO from refuting the Trinity, the Immortal soul and hellfire to simply refuting Arianism, doctrine and interpretation from another side of the Mental Ward?

  Can you BE A PERSON? Or, is your identity stuck to the opinon of a collective of agreeable others who will tell you what to do for the rest of your life even though you know it is a fanciful myth?

  HONEST ADVICE is what I offer here. Ignore it at your own peril!