I have heard this expression a few times recently.
And isn't is so true?
I am fairly young. I have good health. I have a decent job. A lovely wife & family. My parents & sister are brilliant people (non-JW).
I have had all of this for a number of years.
Yet, as a Jehovah's Witness, this was never enough for me. I was still unhappy with myself. I was down on myself. Constantly picking at what I wasn't doing. Where I was going wrong. All the negatives in myself & my family as I perceived things at the time.
But, I had all anyone would want. What more can you want from life than health, a happy family, a measure of financial security?
The point is; while living my ten years as a Jehovah's Witness, I felt like my life was 'on hold'.
I never ever felt content. I never felt happy with myself. I was critical of & expected far too much of others. I was racked with feelings of guilt even though I was a good person.
That period in my life was much more bad than good. It was actually quite unbearable at times.
This week marks the 3rd anniversary of my walking out of the JW religion.
Although times have been tough & the transition back to normality has been stressful at times, I have so much more peace of mind & contentment in my life & in my mind now than I ever did as a JW.
To those who are still JW's, I would say this; stop being hard on yourself. Focus on the positive aspects of your life. Stop chasing the Watchtower fantasy. You only get one chance at this life. Time is passing for us all.
Get busy living & doing what you want to do.
Be happy.