Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
Can't, have family still in
Were you a born in or a convert?
Convert
Are your parents / family JWs?
Sister was jw til death, some in immediate family still in
How many generations have been JWs?
My children are 2nd gen
Did you hold any position in the WTS? (MS, Elder etc...)
Pioneer
Did you *really* believe in the bible, in spirits (angels, demons)?
Always had questions because so much didn't add up. Was always told to wait, the understanding would come. Didn't happen because it's manufactured. Angels and demons seemed a stretch too.
Did you get baptised? When and why?
Baptized because my sister scared me into thinking that my babies would die soon if I wasn't in.
What was the initial trigger that made you start questioning things?
Child molesters being protected/hidden and no help for their victims
Where did you find information? Internet sites? Books?
Personal experience led me to books, then internet sites
How difficult or painful was the process of leaving?
Tricky but not painful
Was it a big dramatic exit or a careful quiet fade?
Fade
Did you convince anyone else to leave with you?
Didn't try, no one else was ready
How were your family relations affected by your decision?
Strained somewhat
Were you or are you still being shunned by those who didn't leave?
Shunned spiritually by immediate family, refuse to discuss any questions about jws/bible
How long have you now been out?
Two years
Was there anything you looked forward to doing when you left?
Having time for myself and to enjoy living
What are you most proud of achieving since you left?
Learning to love people unconditionally
Is there anything you miss about life in the congregation?
Nope
Red pill or blue pill? Do you regret waking up to reality at all?
Red pill - so happy to know ttatt
Did you become an atheist or transfer your faith elsewhere?
Neither - still not sure about god/creator, but not upset about it - I'll learn what I need to know as time goes on
How do you now feel about religion in general?
Exists to control people - would never join another structured group
Do you feel any guilt celebrating xmas or birthdays or doing any other JW "no-no"s?
Not into xmas, but love celebrating birthdays again - not big into holidays but a lot of them don't hold meaning for me
Have you attended any face-to-face meetups of ex-JWs?
Yes, recently
Describe your circle of friends - mostly other ex-JWs or regular people?
Circle still small, mixed bag of people
Do you tell people about your JW past?
Yes, I want them to understand it is not a benign religion
Do you feel animosity or pity toward current JWs?
Pity for those who are stuck. Animosity for those who know reality but choose to control jws for power/money.
How do you respond to witnesses when they call at your door?
Don't answer, not wasting my time
Storm the barricades or tend to the wounded? (do you favor activism or support)
Support those who know ttatt and plant seeds for those who need to learn
What do you think is the most effective approach to reaching people still in?
Using examples of other religions doing the exact same thing as jws (shunning, molestation, etc.) Also "Can you imagine Jesus doing that/treating someone like that/making that decision?"
Do you think the WTS can or should be destroyed, will continue on as-is or grow / change?
Shut down forever
How has your life been impacted by your JW past?
Adult child stuck inside - No retirement fund (spent all on wts and pioneering) so can't retire and enjoy my life.
Are there things in your life you blame the WTS for?
Molestation of my child, and at least three of my friends' children / lost earnings / lost retirement / lost family still in
JW upbringing - a protection or a curse?
Thought it was protection but it was a curse - wolf in sheep's covering
How do you fill your time now it's not filled with meetings and field service?
Give myself permission to relax. Read good books, watch good movies, socialize, garden, THINK for myself
Do you still have an interest in JW beliefs and doctrines?
No, they carry no weight
How much of your time is still spent on JW related matters?
Only that time I choose to spend with ex-jw friends
What do you think of the ex-JW community?
Some have lots of anger still, understandably so. Most are intelligent and delightful. Have great empathy for those with family still in.
Do you see yourself still being associated with the ex-JW community in 5 or 10 years time?
Have no idea, living one day at a time
Do you fear the future?
Nope
What advice would you give to anyone starting the journey of leaving the WTS?
Gracefully fade away, do not give anyone else permission to control your life.
What would you change in your life if you could go back and talk to yourself?
No, no, a thousand times no! You do not want to be one of theses crazies!
Do you have any regrets about life since you left?
Only that I didn't do it sooner and get my kids out at the same time
Can we read your life-story anywhere? (links to online or books)
Not yet, who knows though?