I must state, for the record, that I have indeed found what I hope to be lifetime friends here. Many phone calls, emails, Xmas cards later. Last week I posted a thread about the death of a dear cousin. Lo and Behold, I got a sympathy card from a JWD member. It was touching. So the friendships - unfortunately some of them separated by continents and oceans, that will likely prevent our ever meeting face to face - are precious. I kind of think that if we were all in the same town, that my house would be full of people all the time - and it would be open.
Ozzie - you are correct. We have bantered this subject about a few times, both on topics here and between the two of us as I recall. I have noticed the nature of this thinking to be as you state - cyclical. The cycles are getting closer together now. In fact, one of the reasons for posting this thread was to rejoice with all of you. I am terribly pleased to see that I am changing. I didn't change very much in 40 yrs a dubya. But I am changing now.
Did you ever wonder if it hurts or confuses a butterfly when it finally emerges from the cocoon? I think maybe it does. Babies cry in what some believe is shock and fear upon exit from the womb. Might be. But it is good. In the end it is good.
So too with this forum, and indeed with all things outside of Jw life. Purps, agreed. I am not ashamed of having been a jdub, but I am immensely happy that I have found my way out of that cocoon.
This is not a whining thread. This is a positive thread. Just wanted to share.
Sometimes I am surprised just how complicated we are as human beings. I am not going anywhere. But I am moving on. I might get 'sidetracked' far more often now - and that is the point of this, isn't it. Amen.
Jeff