Who am I?

by Nicolas 21 Replies latest jw experiences

  • heathen
    heathen

    I thought this was a jackie chan thread

  • tyydyy
    tyydyy

    Asking that question is like asking "what time is it?"

    The definition is constantly changing.

    Enjoy the journey and don't try to fit yourself into a "box" and you will be much happier. Realize that the future is the only thing that matters. Make plans based on what you want to be and not what you think you are.

    TimB

  • Sargon
    Sargon

    This question is almost as old as man. Answering this is almost like proving the existence of God.
    All I know, is that my biggest period of self-doubt were the years immediately following leaving the org. Listening to people on this forum, it appears to be a common syndrome; something akin to nicotine withdrawal.
    I don't think anyone can ever fully answer that question. I think the important thing is to respect and like the person you see in the mirror.


    Imagination is more important than Knowledge. Albert Einstein

  • Bang
    Bang

    We become more attuned to the human condition when we recognize that God is not going to fix our problems.

    How can you say that ? Your not in the "truth" anymore. Wasn't it God's Spirit that influenced your yes to be yes and your no to be no, regardless of those around you ?

    Bang

  • QUEENIE
    QUEENIE

    GOD is not going to fix the problem / DARN RIGHT HE IS NOT and UNFORTUNATELY that includes child abuse spousal abuse, etc. only you is going to fix it and you alone--when it comes to kids it would be neat IF GOD would strike them dead ie pervert __ BUT THAT IS ONCE AGAIN UP TO TRUSTED ADULTS--I WAS IN a abusive marriage but 22 yrs ago I got out of it mostly on my own and have been single and celibate since and really have no desire to tie the knot again !!!! who am I? I AM LINDA LOU of course and proud of it !!!

  • Gopher
    Gopher

    Bang asked,

    Your not in the "truth" anymore. Wasn't it God's Spirit that influenced your yes to be yes and your no to be no, regardless of those around you ?

    (1) Who thinks everyone "in the truth" always tells the truth, or never intends to act deceitfully? Sorry, I was in the organization for too many decades to believe that there's not a lot of deceit, posturing, and backbiting going on in there. Perhaps due to the pressure to "appear righteous" or to make advancement in the congregation, they subtly resort to these tactics, maybe without even knowing it.

    (2) You don't need God in your life to understand that life is best lived by being straightforward, by being yourself. That's just basic wisdom. (If you choose to look to a God or to other examples to help remind you to be honest and truthful, then fine....But it's not a prerequisite.)

    -J.R., member, UADNA-MN
    (Unseen Apostate Directorate of North America - Minnesota division)

    This post was not evaluated by any mental health professionals.
    Any opinions expressed are those of a fuzzy, cuddly rodent.

  • SumnerSloan
    SumnerSloan

    This is a good question. Does anyone else find themselves in some sort of limbo land - not fitting anymore "IN the truth", but not knowing how to fit in on the other side either? After so many years of developing the personality you thought was you when you were a JW, is it hard to know who you are, or how to relate to others (on a close level - developing friendships, as opposed to the everyday work/professional type relationships)? Am I the only one who's finding that to be the case, or do/did others? Part of the problem is, leaving the Watchtower doesn't change how I feel about certain ethical matters - I guess I can't help but be somewhat "straight-laced" if you will, be it from years of living with that thinking, or simply inborn ... (Does this make sense?) SS

  • Joyzabel
    Joyzabel

    Welcome to the board, SumnerSloan.

    All good questions and all true feelings that a lot have leaving the wtbts.

    Life is difficult but rising up and meeting it head on will help in moving forward and healing in your life.

    I really enjoyed reading M. Scott Peck's book's. The first being, "The Road Less Traveled". You have a journey ahead of you. We can only be supportive of dealing with the confussion but the discovery of who you are now is yours to discover. Take your time. There is plenty of it and live life well.

    My e-mail is open if you want some one-on-one.

    j2bf

  • plmkrzy
    plmkrzy

    feeling different is normal for us

  • Gopher
    Gopher

    Sumner,

    Welcome to the board! And please know, you're not at all alone in what you're feeling, not by far!

    We're all human, and we cannot suddenly discover exactly who we are and what we want to be. It is a gradual process, a road under construction. The experience of being a JW will never totally leave you, and that's not entirely bad. I've come to view it as a "learning experience", some parts good, some parts hard.

    As far as ethical matters, no need to apologize for who you are or what you feel. Being free means freedom to choose. Pick and choose what you keep, and what you discard.

    And about relationships with others: It's nice to be able to view others in an accepting way, rather than looking at them through some "theocratic" filter, or thinking we have to witness to them or else we'll die or they'll die or something. It's hard to feel normal, but just take one person at a time, one situation at a time, even one sentence at a time. Take little baby steps, practice, and you'll get good at it, eventually.

    -J.R., member, UADNA-MN
    (Unseen Apostate Directorate of North America - Minnesota division)

    This post was not evaluated by any mental health professionals.
    Any opinions expressed are those of a fuzzy, cuddly rodent.

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