I know that such titles make such a thread seem like a "goodbye." Not the case. I may reduce my time at JWN because my path has taken me through a process of needing this forum less now. But at least as long as I have a mother and wife in the JW's, I will remain here to at least keep up with the world of Watchtower. I took a five day break from the computer and enjoyed it immensely. But as for the title of this thread:
There is a story of a Brahmin who one day found the Buddha under a tree, calmly meditating. The Buddha’s mind was still. He radiated such power and strength that the Brahmin was reminded of a tusker elephant. The Brahmin asked him who he was.
The Buddha replied: “Imagine a red lotus that had begun life underwater but grew and rose above the surface until it stood free. So I too have transcended the world, and attained the supreme enlightenment."
"Who are you, then?" the Brahmin wondered.
The Buddha said: "Remember me as the one who woke up."
To some high degree, I am a person who has attained enlightenment. My journey here and away from here has helped me find some peace and joy in life. I am a person who "woke up." I read of some battles that others are still going through with the JW's because of their waking up. Radiate your power and strength. If you decide not to respond or continue your battles, it doesn't make you a door matt. Your own peace and joy are way more important than trying to teach or show them up.
When another driver cuts you off on the road, if you are the type to want to teach them a lesson or show them up, just remember that your brief retaliation doesn't do any such thing. When others try to teach or show you, you know that you just view them as angry nuts. It's the same the other way. So if you can walk away from proving a point to JW's, maybe it's best all around that you do so just as it might be best to drive away from such encounters on the road.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't choose to manipulate the outcome and avoid the DF or choose the DA or the DF or the fade. If any path helps your peace and joy or diminishes shunning, then choose that path.