Hello All!
I haven’t been active in the forum for some time, but I keep reading your comments every few weeks. I’ve noticed that there are many new members. Welcome to JWD!!! J
I haven’t been in a meeting since July-Aug of 2008. A lot has changed for me in the last 2-3 years, since I discovered what a fraud this religion was. I used to be an Elder “born in the Truth”™. I believed everything with all my heart. And I tried really hard to comply with all my obligations and “privileges” in the congregation. I used to be depressed a lot, because I was tired and overworked. It really bothered me to see fellow Elders and CO’s more interested in “status” and following rules than helping the congregation at a personal level. Everything changed when I opened my eyes and saw the real truth of this Organization.
Many of you may feel confused and sad when you “disconnect” from the cult, or when you realize that you’ve been deceived your whole life. It’s important that you learn to enjoy your new “mind freedom” and enjoy every minute of your life without remorse. It is not easy at first, but everything improves over time.
In my case, I’ve been reading a lot. Books from Steve Hassan, Rick Cross and other cult experts have been a great help in my recovery. Also, I had the opportunity of meeting Ray Franz and read his books. All the guilt, fear, depression and inadequacy feelings I had as a JW disappeared.
What else I’ve learned during my exit? That there is plenty of good people in the world. Not everyone is a “wordly bad association”. I’ve found new friends that love me without any religious-imposed conditions. People that sincerely care for me and my wife.
Now I have time to have new hobbies. I enjoy making breakfast for my wife every Saturday morning, and staying in bed until noon, without worrying about “preaching”. I can work overtime if required by my employer. I can start a project in my house without thinking that “we have to prepare for the KM School”…
To make the long story short: I’m happier than ever with my life. Do I have a worry-free life now? No. Do I have all the answers to life questions? No. Is there another life after this one? I don’t know! But what I know is that I have the freedom to search for the answers by myself!
Keep learning, studying and THINKING. There is plenty to do and learn in this life.
Carpe Diem!
TTRP