The world has some great people and great experiences, but I can't live my life without purpose.
jmusic,
This is the scare that the JWs put in their members. It is erroneous on the part of the JWs to assert that people who do not conform to their goal in life (saving their butt from destruction) don't have a "purpose". "Purpose in life" is what you determine it is for you, what is going to make you happy and feel fulfilled. For some that is just having a family and being the best parent/grandparent they can, for others it means they have to help animals, the environment or strangers. Your "purpose" is what you make it to be.
Girl_interrupted,
Welcome to the board! I too had many questions around the age when you did. I dealt with (buried) them for 15 years before finally leaving. Hooray for you to be free so much sooner in life!!
Cheers to you and your new found friends,
econaut